Former Cricketer Francis Mlambo Dies in Gazaland Blaze

Francis Mlambo (image source)

What began as a nighttime shelter for 39-year-old former cricketer Francis Jeimani Mlambo ended in fiery tragedy in Gazaland, Highfield. He was found dead in a minibus taxi (kombi) that caught ablaze while he was asleep inside. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the cause, but the community mourns loudly.

On the evening of 11 August, locals first spotted smoke emanating from a parked kombi near the Machipisa Corridor. The vehicle was engulfed in flames by the time responders arrived. Mlambo, who had been resting inside, was found dead after firefighters extinguished the blaze. He is believed to have succumbed to smoke inhalation and burns. The kombi driver escaped without physical harm.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has impounded the vehicle and launched forensic tests, including examining the wiring, fuel systems, and accelerator components for faults. A statement urged anyone with footage or eyewitness observations to come forward. Mlambo was well known in Harare’s cricket circles. He played for Mashonaland Club in the early 2000s and later devoted time to coaching youth in Highfield. A neighbor recalled:“Francis loved cricket—his eyes lit when kids scored runs at district games. He always made time after work to coach.”

He leaves behind a wife and a toddler. The bereaved family is receiving support through community fundraisers and a memorial match organized by youth clubs he once trained.

Incidents like this are not rare. Kombis in Zimbabwe often bypass regular inspections, operated on intense schedules despite substandard wiring and poor maintenance. Ignition sources such as frayed electrical wiring and fuel vapours make old vehicles prone to flash fires.

A veteran mechanic at Machipisa Garage shared:“People patch kombis themselves with spliced wires. Smoke and short circuits happen—but fires do too.” Local civic groups have called for emergency inspections and mandatory electrical and fuel safety testing for kombis. They also recommend issuing basic fire extinguishing kits to drivers and creating emergency shelters for those stranded after incidents.

A candlelight vigil was held at Machipisa corner, attended by coaches, neighbors, and youth he mentored. A Facebook community fundraiser managed to cover funeral costs within 24 hours.

Civil society advocates say the kombi safety issue reflects weak transport regulation. The Transport Safety Council of Zimbabwe is being asked to expedite inspection protocols. Legal experts argue for new policies requiring worn kombis to be decommissioned or upgraded under strict vetting procedures. Mlambo’s death is a tragedy—but also a warning. It signals that vulnerable citizens, sector authorities, and local leaders must act swiftly. Fire extinguishers, wire checks, and a stronger kombi safety culture can and should change before another life is claimed by a preventable blaze. For now, Highfield mourns a coach, a mentor, and a cricketer lost to the smoke.