Government Pulls the Plug On Matimbe Buses After Deadly Harare Crash

The Zimbabwean government has grounded the entire fleet of Blessing Matimbe's buses after a fatal crash in Harare exposed serious safety violations. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona announced the suspension following a June 1 accident that killed three passengers and injured ten.

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The investigations confirmed that operator Blessing Matimbe was in blatant breach of road traffic and safety regulations.

Investigations revealed that the bus involved in the crash, registration number AGL0921, was operating without a valid Certificate of Fitness or Route Permit. The driver also did not meet the requirements of the Road Traffic Act, and the operator was found in "blatant breach of road traffic and safety regulations."

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Under the Road Motor Transportation Act, the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation has with immediate effect suspended all omnibuses owned by Blessing Matimbe from operating on any route approved by the Ministry.

Mhona stated that the suspension of all omnibuses owned by Blessing Matimbe is effective immediately and will remain in place until the operator complies with all legal requirements. He warned other operators who disregard safety standards that they risk losing their licenses, emphasizing that commuter safety is paramount.

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The safety of commuters is non-negotiable. Any operator who ignores licence conditions or statutory safety standards will face suspension or outright cancellation.

The ministry urged police and traffic enforcement agencies to increase patrols and crack down on non-compliance. This action is part of a broader government effort to address a rise in fatal crashes linked to unroadworthy vehicles and regulatory disregard in the public transport sector.

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We expect all law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert and ensure full adherence to road traffic laws to protect every road user.