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The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) and the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) have expressed profound concern over alarming revelations regarding the Urban Connect bus involved in the tragic accident on Thursday after investigations revealed that the bus was operating without a valid route permit, and the driver’s retest certificate had expired four years prior.
In a statement, PAZ condemned the glaring lapses in regulatory oversight, describing them as a dire threat to public safety.
The fatal accident, which claimed 25 lives and left 40 others injured—10 of whom are in critical condition—occurred when the Urban Connect bus collided head-on with an Auro commercial truck along the Beitbridge-Masvingo road, just before the Lutumba toll gate.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon Felix Mhona, who visited the accident site on Friday, confirmed the shocking absence of necessary permits for the bus and the expired certification of its driver.
PAZ condemned this oversight and said it is unacceptable that a bus without proper documentation was allowed to operate, endangering the lives of passengers.
“We demand that the government takes immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that all public transport operators adhere to strict safety standards.
“This includes regularizing the issuance of route permits, enforcing driver retesting, and implementing effective road safety measures,” read part of the statement.
The association urged all stakeholders, including the government, transport operators, and law enforcement agencies, to work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In response to the catastrophe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the accident a national disaster and announced that the victims would receive state-assisted funerals. Meanwhile, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe has pledged to cover the medical expenses of the injured, and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has provided hampers to those hospitalized.
Another tragic road accident occurred yesterday at the 40-kilometre peg along the Masvingo-Harare Road in Beatrice and three individuals lost their lives in the horrific crash involving a Mandaza bus and a school bus.
This accident came a few days after another devastating crash along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road. These recurring tragedies point to a disturbing trend of reckless driving, particularly among public transport operators. While the road infrastructure is in good condition, the failure to adhere to road regulations continues to put innocent lives at risk.
LEAD President, Linda Masarira, is calling for the immediate implementation of the following measures to curb road carnage:
1. Installation of Speed Limiters – All public transport vehicles, especially buses, must have speed governors installed to ensure they do not exceed safe speed limits. This should be a strict regulatory requirement, with real-time monitoring of compliance.
2. End of Corrupt Practices at Roadblocks – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Traffic Department must shift from extortion at roadblocks to genuine enforcement of road safety laws. Public transporters should not be allowed to operate without valid licenses, and all vehicles must have up-to-date Certificates of Fitness from the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID).
3. Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits – Traffic authorities must actively monitor and penalize speeding drivers, particularly those operating passenger buses and school transport services. Reckless driving should attract stiff penalties, including the revocation of licenses for habitual offenders.
4. Compulsory Defensive Driving Courses – All public transport drivers must undergo mandatory defensive driving training and periodic refresher courses to ensure they are well-equipped to transport passengers safely.
“The lives of Zimbabweans must be prioritized over profit-making in the transport sector. We call on the government and relevant authorities to act swiftly to implement these reforms and safeguard our roads.
“Once again, we mourn with the families who have lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with those recovering from injuries. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Masarira said.
