The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
AN eight-year-old Bulilima boy died after a scotch cart he was riding on with his elder brother overturned and knocked him on the head.
Sandile Sibanda was travelling with his 17-year-old brother, Brian Sibanda who sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident. Gotjombo Village head Mr Sam Moyo confirmed the incident which occurred last Saturday around 9am.
He said the two boys were on their way from Hingwe Clinic where they had left their ill mother when the incident occurred.
“There is an eight-year-old boy from Gotjombo Village who died in a scotch cart accident over the weekend. Sandile was in the company of his elder brother Brian when the incident occurred. The boys were on their way from Hingwe Clinic where they had left their ill mother in the company of their aunt. They were going home to carry out some errands and they were supposed to go back in the afternoon to collect their mother after she had received treatment,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the scotch cart which was being driven by the elder brother is suspected to have hit a rock before overturning. Mr Moyo said Sandile was thrown out of the scotch cart and it banged his head in the process. He said his brother managed to jump out of the scotch cart and sustained minor injuries.
Mr Moyo said Brian alerted villagers from a nearby homestead of the incident. He said Sandile died on the spot as a result of the injuries which he sustained on his head.
“It seems the boys were in a hurry to get home and carry out their errands on time and return to the clinic. It is unfortunate that Sandile died on the spot,” he said.
Chief Madlambuzi said it was still a cause for concern that villagers were speeding when using scotch carts. He said some villagers were failing to adhere to advice to have a person lead the animals when travelling in scotch carts. Chief Madlambuzi said there was also a need for parents to monitor children when they are using scotch carts.
