A cross-border truck driver working for Mother Truckers was brutally attacked and robbed along a dangerous detour between Rutenga and Ngundu on the Beitbridge – Harare highway.
Construction has been abandoned for years on the section of the road and it has become a hotspot for criminal activity.
The victim, identified only as a Swazi national, sustained serious head injuries after being struck with a machete.
He was later treated at Beitbridge Rural District Hospital, where he received 20-centimetre sutures.
According to initial reports, the robbers made off with his mobile phone, motor vehicle repair tools, and personal belongings.
Despite his injuries, the driver managed to reach a clinic in Rutenga for first aid before driving himself to Beitbridge Hospital for further medical attention.
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The attack adds to growing concerns from truckers about the poor state and security risks of some detours along the route.
Many drivers have repeatedly warned authorities about the dangers posed by these neglected roads, which have become hunting grounds for criminals.
“We have been raising alarms about these detours for a long time,” said one trucker who regularly travels the route. “The authorities need to act fast before more drivers lose their lives.”
Truck drivers operating in the region are urged to exercise extreme caution, especially when stopping in isolated areas at night. Law enforcement agencies have yet to make any arrests in connection with the attack.
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