Government Suspends All Blessing Matimbe Buses Following Fatal Harare Crash

By Staff Reporter
HARARE, Zimbabwe – The Government has suspended the operating licences of all omnibuses owned by transport operator Blessing Matimbe after a fatal road accident in Harare claimed three lives and left ten passengers seriously injured.

The suspension was announced by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona after investigations revealed that the vehicle involved in the crash was operating in violation of several road transport regulations.

The tragic accident occurred on 1 June 2026 at the intersection of Willowvale Road and Nyandoro Road in Harare. Three people lost their lives, while ten others sustained serious injuries and were rushed for medical treatment.

Investigation Reveals Serious Violations

According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the omnibus involved in the accident, 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.

Investigators also established that the vehicle lacked a valid **Route Permit**, in breach of Section 12 of the same Act. Furthermore, the driver failed to meet the legal qualifications required under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] and Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.

Minister Mhona described the findings as a serious breach of the conditions governing the operator's licence.

Immediate Suspension of Operations

Acting under Section 17(b)(i) of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15], 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 has fully complied with all legal and regulatory requirements governing public transport operations.

Warning to Public Transport Operators

Minister Mhona warned that transport operators who fail to comply with licensing conditions, vehicle safety standards, and statutory obligations risk having their licences suspended or cancelled.

"The safety and security of the commuting public must never be compromised," he said.

The Ministry has also directed road traffic law enforcement agencies to intensify inspections and ensure that all public transport operators comply with Zimbabwe's road traffic laws in an effort to improve road safety and protect commuters.

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