Chipinge Bus Bombed in Suspected Route War Attack

A Big Game Motors bus was allegedly attacked with a suspected mining explosive at Chinheya Business Centre in Chipinge early Friday morning, leaving the vehicle extensively damaged. The incident occurred at around 3am on 21 August 2026, according to police.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying the bus driver and conductor were asleep inside the vehicle when an unidentified person allegedly threw a detonator at the rear wheels.

“We are investigating a case of attempted murder and malicious damage to property which happened on August 21, 2026. A bus belonging to Big Game was parked at Chinheya Business Centre,” Nyathi said.

“On the same day around 3am, a person went to the bus and threw a detonator on the rear wheels. The bus driver and conductor were sleeping inside the bus at the back.

“The driver and conductor managed to escape safely. The bus was damaged at the back. We are now investigating the motive behind the attack.”

The blast reportedly damaged the bus's right rear tyre and axle, leaving the vehicle grounded.

Police have launched investigations and are treating the case as attempted murder and malicious damage to property. No arrests had been made by the time of publication. The attack has raised fresh concerns over growing tensions in Chipinge's passenger transport sector, amid competition for lucrative routes linking the town with major destinations including Harare, Bulawayo and Kwekwe.

Residents said the explosion caused alarm in the area and renewed concerns about the safety of passengers, drivers and conductors who rely on public transport every day. The motive for the attack has not yet been established, and police investigations are continuing.

Chipinge bus bombed