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The late Ben Mberi

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A 73-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo sustained internal injuries resulting in his death following a hit and run incident which occurred along Nketa Drive in the city.

Ben Mberi of Sizinda Flats was hit by a vehicle which did not stop at the scene.

The accident occurred at around 7PM on Sunday.

Witnesses told Mberi’s family that he was hit by a white Nissan pick-up vehicle which sped off.

He died soon after admission at Mpilo Central Hospital.

Bulawayo Metropolitan province police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident.

“A motorist hit a pedestrian but did not stop at the scene. The man died upon admission at hospital.

“We are appealing to members of the public who may have information leading to the arrest of the culprit to contact their nearest police station,” she said. Mberi, who comes from Rusape, had lived in Bulawayo since 1981.

His son and family spokesperson, Mr John Mberi, said they were still trying to come to terms with his death.

“My father has died a painful death and what’s more worrying is that the person who killed him doesn’t have the decency to reveal himself and at least pass his condolences to the family.

“Accidents do happen but for one to flee after committing such a crime is totally inhumane. How does one find peace while living in hiding yet knowing they killed someone?” he asked.

Mberi’s wife, Anna, said she was sad to lose her partner in the blink of an eye.

“We thank God for the Good Samaritans who tried to help him. They managed to phone me from his cellphone. When I got to the scene, an ambulance had already taken him but they stopped for me and I got the chance to be with him during his last few minutes on earth. He died in my arms at hospital,” she said.

Meanwhile, a commuter omnibus driver in Bulawayo yesterday allegedly hit a pedestrian while attempting to evade arrest at a police road block at the Nguboyenja fly over.

Sources said the kombi driver was trying to speed through a road block without stopping when he knocked down Obediah Sibanda (43) of Pumula North.

The incident occurred at around 8AM. Insp Simango said they had arrested a motorist on charges of negligent driving.

“I can confirm we arrested a man for negligent driving after he hit a pedestrian who was crossing the road. Investigations are underway,” she said.
Mkhokheli Ncube (36) of Lobengula West hit the man who sustained a broken arm and leg.

He was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was admitted.—@winnie_masara