Police Hunt Bolt-Cutter Bus Crew After Viral Assault on Passengers in Murehwa

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for members of a Bolt Cutter bus crew after a disturbing video showing passengers being violently assaulted at Musami Cross in Murehwa went viral on social media. The incident, which reportedly occurred at Musami Cross in Domborembudzi along the Harare–Mutoko Road, has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for stronger regulation of public transport operators accused of abusing passengers.

In the footage circulating online, two men believed to be members of the bus crew are seen repeatedly kicking one passenger in the head while he lies helplessly on the ground. The victim appears dazed and struggles to stand after the assault, prompting concerns that he may have sustained serious injuries. Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations are underway.

"Reference is made to the video circulating on social media in which members of the Bolt Cutter Bus Crew are seen violently assaulting passengers at Musami Cross, Domborembudzi," Nyathi said.

"The footage depicts two members of the group repeatedly and brutally kicking one of the passengers on the head while he was lying helplessly on the ground."

He said police are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify everyone involved.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of the incident and investigations are currently underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the matter and identify all persons involved."

Nyathi assured the public that those responsible would face the full force of the law.

"The public is assured that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law. The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns all forms of violence, disorderly conduct and acts that endanger human life and public safety. Anyone found responsible for the assault will be dealt with without fear or favour."

Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to report at their nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk. Information can also be submitted via telephone on 0242 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.

While police have not yet confirmed the identities of the victims, reports circulating on social media suggest they were schoolboys travelling from Juru Growth Point to Mutoko. According to the reports, the boys boarded the Bolt Cutter bus after being assured that seats would become available later in the journey. However, the bus allegedly became even more overcrowded after leaving Juru.

When the passengers requested a refund for the remaining distance so they could seek alternative transport, they were allegedly forced off the bus before being assaulted by crew members. Witnesses further allege that the US$20 fare paid by the victims was never refunded. Authorities have not independently confirmed these allegations, and investigations remain ongoing.

The incident has reignited debate over passenger safety and the conduct of some public transport operators in Zimbabwe, particularly on long-distance routes where complaints of overcrowding, intimidation, and violence periodically emerge. Transport safety experts say operators are legally obliged to provide safe transport services and resolve disputes through lawful means rather than violence.

Legal practitioners have also noted that if the allegations are proven, those involved could face charges ranging from assault to attempted murder, depending on the medical assessment of the victims' injuries. Police have urged commuters to report acts of violence, extortion, or abuse involving transport operators to assist authorities in improving safety across Zimbabwe's public transport sector. Investigations into the Musami Cross assault continue.

Bolt Cutter bus crew assault