A man in Gokwe died while another was seriously injured after being crushed by a truck they were trying to jump-start while in a repair workshop, police say.
The incident occurred in Chireya, Gokwe North on Monday.
The two, Richard Tarwirei Mamutse (44) and Milton Mangoro were attempting to jump-start a Tata truck when the freak accident occurred, according to Zimbabwe Republic Police Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Mahoko.
“Police in Midlands Province confirms investigating a report of a motor vehicle repair workshop accident in which one person died and another sustained serious injuries,” said Insp Mahoko. “The two were tapped while jump-starting a motor vehicle engine on 17 January 2022.’
He said the two men were positioned between the two trucks when one of them then started the engine of one of the trucks causing it to move forward and trap them.
“One Tata truck failed to start and they positioned another truck in front in an effort to jump-start it. Richard started the engine while they were standing in-between the two trucks and it moved forward trapping them.”
He said both men sustained injuries and were rushed to Gokwe hospital where Mamutse was pronounced dead on arrival, while Mangoro was admitted for treatment.
“Members of the public should exercise maximum caution when operating machines by always putting in place safety mechanisms,” said Insp Mahoko.
Meanwhile, Insp Mahoko also confirmed an unrelated incident on Sunday where a man in Shurugwi attempted to steal a vehicle but ended up crashing it and escaping on foot.
The suspect had stolen the vehicle where it was parked for the night.
“Andrew Madzipuri, aged 23, of Shurugwi parked his vehicle, a silver Honda Fit for the night. At about 0200 hours, he heard his motor vehicle engine running and went to check. He found his vehicle being driven away and gave chase on foot,” Insp Mahoko said.
He added: “When the suspect noticed that he was being pursued he lost control of the vehicle and it fell into a ditch. The suspect disembarked and fled on foot.”
Insp Mahoko appealed to the public for information that could lead them to the suspect.