ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi
By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe Republic Police have identified the eight Anglican pilgrims who tragically died in a bus accident on June 16 when their bus caught fire en route from Marondera.
The victims, members of the Anglican church’s annual pilgrimage to Bernard Mizeki’s grave, were burnt beyond recognition in the Passion Link Coaches bus accident. The bus, carrying 66 passengers, met with disaster at the 26-kilometre peg along Nyabadza-Gandanza road, Rusape, leaving over 50 others injured.
According to Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, DNA analysis confirmed the identities of the deceased as Charity Nyamapfeni, Annie Miti, Gladys Sarutani Gumiro, Viola Nyambabvu, Winnie Chiremba, Agnes Miti, Magaret Mupangabure, and Bradley Mukwane.
“Relatives of the victims are urged to contact ZRP Rusape Traffic for further details,” said Commr Nyathi, emphasizing the need for heightened safety awareness among drivers and bus operators to prevent such tragedies.
Following investigations that revealed the bus lacked a certificate of fitness, the government has revoked Passion Link Coaches’ operating license.
