HARARE – In the wake of a horrific accident that has claimed 26 lives on the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway, the Zimbabwean government has suspended the operating licence of Urban Connect Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has appealed to the public for assistance in identifying two remaining victims of the accident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to the public to assist in identifying two remaining victims who died in the fatal road traffic accident. The first unidentified victim is a male adult who was wearing a red t-shirt and black trousers at the time of the accident. The second victim is a female adult who was wearing a black jersey and black trousers,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Anyone with information is urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk.
Investigations have revealed that the bus involved in the crash was operating without a valid Passenger Insurance Policy and that the driver had not undergone mandatory retesting, as required by law.
The accident, which occurred last week at the 262-kilometre peg near the Lutumba tollgate, has prompted a swift response from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. Minister Felix Mhona announced the immediate suspension of Urban Connect’s licence, citing serious violations of road traffic and safety regulations.
“The bus registration number AGL2474 belonging to this company did not have a valid Passenger Insurance Policy as prescribed under Section 38(b) (1) of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11],” Minister Mhona stated. “In addition, the vehicle did not have a valid Route Permit as prescribed in Section 12 of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15].”
The absence of a valid Passenger Insurance Policy leaves victims and their families without recourse to compensation for injuries or loss of life.
Further investigations revealed that the driver of the ill-fated bus had not undergone the mandatory retesting stipulated in Section 5 of Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006. This retesting is designed to ensure drivers remain competent and up-to-date on road safety regulations, raising serious questions about the driver’s qualifications and fitness to operate a public service vehicle.
“The above violations by the bus operator are a serious breach of the terms and conditions of the operator’s licence issued to the company for it to operate in Zimbabwe,” Minister Mhona emphasised.
As a consequence, the Ministry has invoked Section 17(b) (i) of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15], suspending Urban Connect’s operations on all routes for six months, pending further investigations.
The Government had previously accorded state-assisted funerals to the families of the deceased, with a funeral service held for 25 victims.
Commissioner Nyathi released the names of the identified victims:
- Gwiba Kezias (51), Stoneridge, Harare
- Mudzingwa Origin (47), Sese Village, Masvingo
- Tsitsi Mukaro, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge
- Emma Mukaro, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge
- Punich Masvenhise (45), SDP, Beitbridge
- Richard Kandororo (37), Marindale, Norton
- Vincent Bvumbe (35), Shule Shule, Beitbridge
- Petronella Murungweni (26), Mashavire, Beitbridge
- Jeke Paradzai (46), Glen Norah, Harare
- Abell Rumbwere, Mashavire, Beitbridge
- Melissa Jackson (21), Warren Park, Harare
- Natasha Tembo, SDP, Beitbridge
- Gilbert Gwinyai Mafi, Mbare, Harare
- Elizabeth Mauto (48), Seke, Chitungwiza
- Faustina Zhakata Chibamu, Budiriro 5, Harare
- Mutsekwa Josphine, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge
- Mollicious Kahanda (37), Holiday Inn, Beitbridge
- Douglous Mandira (43), Marlborough, Harare
- Angela Tembo, SDP, Beitbridge
- Taziva Nyashega, Hatcliffe, Harare
- Elton Marima, Old Medium, Beitbridge
Minister Mhona expressed his condolences, saying: “We mourn the demise of innocent men and women, most of whom were breadwinners, who perished in this crash. Our thoughts are with all the families of the people who were killed and our prayers are with those injured as they continue to receive treatment and care.”
He also issued a stern warning to transport operators, motorists, and the public, stating that there will be stricter enforcement of road traffic laws, particularly ahead of the National Youth Day long weekend.
“The safety and security of all commuting public cannot be taken for granted. We will not hesitate to suspend and cancel licences of operators who violate terms and conditions of such licences, traffic rules and regulations,” Minister Mhona asserted.
He urged all road traffic law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in ensuring compliance with safety regulations to prevent further tragedies.
Related
