GWERU – A motorist trying to jump a fuel queue ploughed into two pedestrians, killing a woman and injuring another, Midlands police said.

The incident happened outside Jaran supermarket in Gweru on Sunday in Gweru, said Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende.

Vongai Mapako, 43, was not supposed to be in Gweru when she met her death on October 21, according to police. She had failed to get transport to her rural home in Tirimuhondo Village, Shangani, a day earlier due to the crippling fuel crisis gripping Zimbabwe.

Witnesses said George Mbanje, 39, was trying to jump a fuel queue leading to a Puma Energy service station which had reached Robert Mugabe Way and 3rd Street.

In a bid to gain a favourable position, Mbanje drove on a pavement just outside Jaran supermarket where the two victims Mapako and Tavawana Chinyoka , 50, were seated.

Police said the driver lost control and ran over the pair.

Chinyoka remains in a critical condition at Gweru Provincial Hospital.

Mbanje has since appeared in court charged with culpable homicide.