Yeukai Munetsi
Gokwe-Two minors died in two separate accidents involving ox-drawn carts that occurred in Gokwe and Mberengwa last week.
In the first incident which occurred in Gokwe, Samuel Zaranyika was driving an ox-drawn cart in Charusengera village, Chief Njelele, Gokwe South with Shingisai Mhike, a female juvenile aged 12 years seated in the scotch cart.
The cattle all of a sudden began speeding leading to the cart to hit a tree stump and over-turning once.
Shingisai Mhike was hit on the head by the cart board and died on the spot and Samuel Zaranyika escaped unhurt.
The second incident occurred in Tito village, Chief Negove, Zvishavane at around 1000 hours, Isheunesu Hungwe (25) was leading an ox-drawn scotch cart ferrying maize sheaves from the fields to the cattle kraals in the company of his niece Thandolwenkosi Hungwe.
On the way, the oxen suddenly changed direction towards Thandolwenkosi Hungwe who was hit by the corner of the scotch cart on the back of the head and died.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko appealed to the public to exercise caution when driving scotch carts.
“We appeal to members of the public to use reigns and lead animals when using ox-drawn carts and also to travel at safe speed,” Mahoko said.
