Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has expressed deep sadness over a horrific accident that occurred on Wednesday evening last week at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street, where a commuter taxi omnibus ploughed into a crowd of vendors and pedestrians, killing at least two people and injuring 17 others.

In a statement released by Mayor Coltart,he extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a quick recovery.

He attributed the accident to the prevailing lawlessness in the area, citing vendors operating in prohibited areas and inadequate traffic policing by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

“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,” Coltart said.

He emphasised that despite the efforts of municipal police, vendors continue to operate in areas they should not be, and the lack of adequate traffic policing has led to grave danger for innocent people.

Coltart has raised the issue with Transport Minister Felix Mhona and Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, urging legal reforms to empower municipal police to enforce city by-laws more effectively.

“We need to give our municipal police the powers they need to enforce our by-laws,” he said.

Furthermore, Mayor Coltart is calling for an urgent meeting with the Joint Operations Command (JOC) in Bulawayo to seek support from the ZRP in enforcing traffic regulations and municipal by-laws.

“The lawlessness currently prevailing in our City is unacceptable, and we need to work together to restore law and order,” he emphasised.

The public is demanding action to address these concerns and ensure the area is safe for everyone