Transport Ministry Suspends Operator's Bus Licence After Fatal Harare Crash Killed Three

HARARE — The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has suspended the operating licence of all omnibuses owned by Blessing Matimbe following a fatal road accident that claimed three lives and left 10 others seriously injured in Harare last month.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona announced the immediate suspension on Tuesday after investigations into the 1 June 2026 crash uncovered multiple violations of Zimbabwe's road transport regulations. The accident occurred at the intersection of Willowvale Road and Nyandoro Road, where the omnibus was involved in a crash that killed three people and seriously injured 10 passengers.

According to Minister Mhona, investigations established that the omnibus, registration number AGL 0921, was operating without a valid Certificate of Fitness, contrary to Section 7(1)(b)(iv) of the Road Motor Transportation Act. The vehicle was also found to be operating without a valid Route Permit, in violation of Section 12 of the Road Motor Transportation Act.

In addition, authorities found that the driver did not meet the regulatory requirements prescribed under the Road Traffic Act and Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.

"Assessment also indicates that the driver of the omnibus was not compliant with the regulatory requirements prescribed under the Road Traffic Act and Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006," Mhona said in a statement.

The Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation has suspended, with immediate effect, all omnibuses operated by Blessing Matimbe on routes authorised by the ministry. The suspension will remain in force until the operator implements corrective measures and demonstrates full compliance with all legal and safety requirements. Minister Mhona described the violations as a serious breach of the terms and conditions governing the operator's licence.

"The safety of the commuting public should not be compromised," he said.

He warned that transport operators who ignore licensing conditions and safety regulations risk losing their operating licences.

"Operators who disregard licence conditions, statutory obligations, and safety requirements will face suspension or cancellation of their licences," Mhona said.

The latest action comes as authorities intensify efforts to improve road safety and crack down on public transport operators failing to comply with licensing and vehicle fitness requirements.

The ministry has urged operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, properly licensed and driven by qualified personnel to reduce accidents on Zimbabwe's roads.

Mhona also called on law enforcement agencies to strengthen inspections and enforce compliance with traffic laws to protect passengers and other road users. The suspension serves as a warning to public transport operators that failure to meet statutory safety standards will attract tough regulatory action.

Blessing Matimbe bus licence suspended