Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, HON. ADV. F. T. MHONA (MP), ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE LICENCE FOR OPERATION OF ALL OMNIBUSES BY BLESSING MATIMBE
Following the fatal road traffic crash that occurred on 1 June 2026 at the junction of Willowvale Road and Nyandoro Road, which tragically claimed three lives and left ten passengers seriously injured, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has established that the operator, Blessing Matimbe was in breach of the country's road traffic and safety regulations.
Investigations have confirmed that the omnibus involved in the crash, registration number AGL0921, did not possess a valid Certificate of Fitness, as required in terms of Section 7(1)(b)(iv) of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15]. Furthermore, the vehicle did not hold a valid Route Permit, in contravention of Section 12 of the same Act. Our assessment also indicates that the driver of the omnibus was not compliant with the regulatory requirements prescribed under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] and Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.
These violations constitute a serious breach of the terms and conditions attached to the operator's licence issued to Blessing Matimbe for the provision of public transport services in Zimbabwe.
Informed by these findings, and acting in terms of Section 17(b)(i) of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15], the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation has exercised his statutory mandate to suspend, with immediate effect, the operation of all omnibuses belonging to Blessing Matimbe on all routes authorized by the Ministry. This suspension shall remain in force until corrective compliance measures have been instituted in terms of the laws and regulations of the country.
I wish to remind all transport operators, associations, motorists, and members of the public that 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.
We call upon all road traffic law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and ensure full compliance with the country's road traffic laws for the protection of all road users.
HON. ABVF. T. MHONA (MP)
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development
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