Police to take action against Rimbi and Zebra bus drivers

Police to take action against Rimbi and Zebra bus drivers

 

Mako Jerera

 

Police have vowed to punish drivers and managers of Rimbi Tours and Zebra Kiss bus companies whose buses were caught on a viral video racing each other with one of them ending up involved in a fatal road traffic accident which killed one passenger and injured seven.

 

The accident happened at the 160 km peg along Harare-Nyamapanda Road on Tuesday at around 1620 hours.

 

In a statement, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the drivers of a Rimbi Tours bus and a Zebra Kiss bus were racing when the accident occurred.

 

One person was killed, while seven others were seriously injured when the Rimbi Bus rammed into the truck as the Zebra Kiss bus was blocking the road during a race.

 

Asst Comm Nyathi said,

 

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at the 160 km peg along Harare- Nyamapanda Road on 17th January 2023 at around 1620 hours where one person died on the spot while seven (07) others were seriously injured.

 

“A driver who was driving a Rimbi Tours, Yutong bus due west towards Harare, with 23 passengers on board rammed into the back of a Shacman Tipper which was travelling in the same direction.

 

“The bus driver was trying to overtake the truck whilst being blocked by a Zebra Kiss bus that was travelling in the same direction.

 

“It is clear that the bus drivers were racing and blocking each other along the road. They were openly putting the lives of passengers in danger.

 

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores bus operators to reign in their drivers to ensure that they abide by road rules and regulations.

 

“Operators have a vicarious responsibility to control their drivers and ensure that drivers are not dragged into dangerous and reckless highway races with other buses for passengers.

 

“Drivers are licensed to protect lives on the roads and set good conduct in terms of road safety.

 

“The Police will ensure that the law takes its course on the two bus drivers and the bus companies’ management.”