An 81-year-old Beit Bridge priest was hit fatally by a speeding vehicle while trying to cross the road on his way to a church service, police have said.

The local police spokesperson, Supt Conrad Manhai, said the incident occurred on Saturday, February 26, around 19:30 along the Central Business District/Industrial Road, near Beit Bridge Police Station.

“The deceased, Hillary Banda, who stays at a local Anglican church, was trying to cross the road on his way to the church when a vehicle, which was heading towards the industrial area, hit him and he died instantly,” he said.

Manhai said after the incident, the driver sped off, leaving the body of the victim lying in a pool of blood. The driver was arrested, following a tip-off from some motorists, who had spotted him fleeing the scene.

“We suspect the driver was speeding and failed to apply the brakes in time, resulting in his knocking down the deceased. We are continuing with our investigations,” Manhai said.

The suspect is expected to appear in court soon on a charge of culpable homicide.

“The local police continue to urge both motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious when using our roads, to avoid the recurrence of such incidents in which lives are unnecessarily lost,” said Manhai.