Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart has said that the deaths of two people at the corner of 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street on Wednesday evening were a direct result of lawlessness in that part of the city.
Two people died, while 12 (some reports say 17) were injured when a commuter taxi omnibus ploughed into a crowd of vendors and pedestrians.
Coltart expressed his condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, but added that, despite efforts by municipal police, vendors continue to operate in areas where they should not be. Said Coltart:
“I am deeply saddened by the horrific accident which occurred yesterday evening at 6th Ave/Lobengula in Bulawayo when a commuter taxi omnibus ploughed into a crowd of vendors and pedestrians killing 2 people on the spot and injuring 17 others.
“My condolences and sympathy are extended to the families of those who were killed, and my prayers are with the surviving injured people for a quick and full recovery.
“Regrettably, this accident is a direct result of the lawlessness which currently prevails in this part of Bulawayo.
“Despite the valiant efforts of our municipal police, vendors are still operating in areas where they should not be.
“What is more […], the [ZRP] traffic police are not adequately policing the horrendous driving we see in Bulawayo daily.
“There are simply insufficient traffic police on our roads at present, and bad drivers cause grave danger to innocent people daily throughout the City with absolute impunity.”
Coltart said he had met with Transport Minister Felix Mhona and Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, requesting that the law be amended to give municipal police the powers needed to enforce city bylaws. He added:
“We also urgently need a meeting with JOC Bulawayo so that the ZRP assist the City in the enforcement of both our bylaws and traffic laws pending the passing of new laws giving our municipal police further powers.
“The lawlessness currently prevailing in our City is unacceptable, and urgent action is needed to restore law and order so that tragedies like the one which happened yesterday can be avoided.”
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