Government Suspends All Blessing Matimbe Buses After Fatal Crash, Issues Safety Alert on Prohibited Goods
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has suspended all omnibuses operated by Blessing Matimbe following a fatal accident on 1 June 2026 at the junction of Willowvale Road and Nyandoro Road.
Three people died and 10 others were seriously injured in the crash. Investigations by the Ministry found that the bus involved, registration number AGLO921, did not have a valid Certificate of Fitness or a Route Permit. The driver was also not compliant with requirements under the Road Traffic Act and Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.
The Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation has therefore suspended, with immediate effect, the operation of all buses belonging to Blessing Matimbe on all routes authorised by the Ministry. The suspension will stay in place until corrective compliance measures are put in place in line with the country’s laws.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Adv. Dr F. T. Mhona (MP), said public safety must come first.
“The safety and security of the commuting public should not be compromised. Operators who disregard licence conditions, statutory obligations, and safety requirements will face suspension or cancellation of their licences,” Hon. Dr Mhona said.
He also urged all road traffic law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and enforce compliance with road traffic laws to protect all road users.
In a separate safety notice, the Ministry has reminded operators and passengers that certain goods are prohibited in public service passenger-carrying vehicles.
The prohibited items include bitumen, chemicals other than fertilizers, diesel fuel, petrol, containerised goods designated under the Road Traffic (Axle-loading) Regulations, cereals during an emergency, radioactive substances, volatile liquids and gases, hazardous substances and articles, explosives, perishable goods requiring special transportation conditions, and tallow.
The Ministry said hazardous substances and articles not listed above but covered under the Hazardous Substances and Articles (Transportation by and Labelling of Road Tankers) Regulations, 1984, Statutory Instrument 262 of 1984, are also prohibited.
