Drama Unfolds as Commuter Omnibus Crashes in Harare After Driver Jumps to Escape Arrest

Commuter Omnibus Crashes After Driver Escapes Arrest in Harare

In an unbelievable turn of events on Friday, a commuter omnibus (kombi) crashed into a tree in Marimba, Harare, after the driver, who was being escorted to the police station for violating a traffic offence, jumped off the moving vehicle to escape arrest. The incident, which unfolded along Hean Road towards High Glen Road turn-off, has left many shocked, with video footage of the crash circulating widely on social media.

Details of the Crash

According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the incident took place when officers from the ZRP Marimba were manning a roadblock. The kombi, registered under ACQ 1884, was impounded after its driver was arrested for openly contravening the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 13:11. The vehicle was initially impounded by police, but the drama escalated when it was ordered to drive to the Marimba Police Station with two officers inside, escorting the vehicle.

However, in a bold and reckless move, the driver suddenly jumped from the moving vehicle, leaving it to crash into a tree. Several passengers, as well as the two police officers inside the kombi, jumped out of the vehicle in panic. The driver, seizing the opportunity, ran away from the scene, leaving behind chaos and confusion.

Witnesses Capture the Drama

A video captured by onlookers shows the shocking moment the kombi crashed. The footage quickly spread on social media, sparking various speculations about what had transpired. While some believed the crash was a result of a mechanical failure or miscommunication, the police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, clarified the situation, revealing that the driver’s escape attempt was the sole cause of the crash.

“The driver’s reckless actions led to the accident, and there is no excuse for such behavior, especially while being escorted by police officers with passengers on board,” Nyathi emphasized in the statement.

Driver Flees the Scene, Kombi Impounded

The kombi was later taken to ZRP Marimba, where police officers interviewed passengers and witnesses to piece together the events. The owner of the kombi, 50-year-old Loverage Chikwape from Kuwadzana Extension, claimed he did not know the driver involved at the time.

Following the incident, the ZRP reiterated its call to kombi operators and drivers to maintain law and order on the roads. Commissioner Nyathi expressed concern over the reckless behavior of drivers, stating, “There is no reason for any kombi driver to act in such a dangerous and irresponsible manner.”

Implications for the Transport Sector

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Zimbabwe’s public transport sector, where issues like reckless driving and lawlessness are still prevalent despite efforts to maintain order. Road safety experts have long warned about the risks posed by unregulated commuter omnibuses, many of which operate with little regard for traffic laws and passenger safety.

In light of this, experts have called for more stringent enforcement of traffic regulations and better oversight of the public transport industry. While the police and government have made efforts to improve road safety, incidents like this continue to reveal the urgent need for stronger measures to curb recklessness on the roads.

Calls for Responsibility from Kombi Operators

The ZRP has urged kombi operators and their drivers to take responsibility for their actions and to work with law enforcement to ensure safer roads. It is crucial that all players in the transport sector collaborate to maintain discipline and prevent further incidents like the one that transpired in Marimba.