Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) managing director Mr Obio Chinyere appealed to the public to stop sending pictures of accident sites on social media.
He said some people see accidents as an opportunity for citizen journalism at the expense of saving lives. Said Chinyere:
We appeal to members of the public to desist from inhumane behaviour of sending pictures and distributing them before victims’ relatives get to know of their death. Just imagine the shock, anxiety and depression it brings to learn of the death of your beloved one on social media. We may end up having more deaths as a result of shock and that will do no good to the nation. It appears people are now prioritising breaking news more than saving lives. It is better to use that gadget to call an ambulance or the police than to concentrate on becoming the first to dish out news.
Speaking to The Chronicle, historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi said the posting of horrific pictures on social media indicates the loss of culture.
More: Chronicle