THERE was heated debate at yesterday’s full council meeting as some councillors labelled schoolchildren who are killed in road accidents as negligent.
Report by Chief Reporter
At least three pupils, one from Founders High School, were killed last week while going to school.
At a full council meeting last night, councillor James Sithole bemoaned high death rates of pupils as a result of being knocked down by cars.
Sithole said council should consider erecting speed humps outside school premises.
It was at that point that councillor Jennifer Bent said pupils were to blame.
“What Sithole is saying is not all that true,” he said. “I am the area council and should know better. Children are to be blame for accidents.
“They just jaywalk across the streets and do not cross at zebra crossings.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
However, Phineas Ndlovu came to the defence of pupils.
“No one is careless,” he said. “Long back Founders High kids never used to cross roads to school.
“The white kids were taken by cars unlike our black kids who now come walking from all over.
“Children are not careless councillor.”
Even mayor Thabo Moyo’s cautioning remarks were ignored. Councillor Lot Siziba supported Bent.
“Children nowadays do not care and that is why they are hit,” he said. “They forget that cars kill.”
