Police confirm identities of two men killed in 6th Ave crash

Bulawayo police have named two men who died after a commuter omnibus lost control and struck pedestrians along 6th Avenue on Wednesday evening, leaving 12 others injured.

The victims were identified as Christopher Mukuwapasi, believed to be in his late 30s, and Lizwe Ncube, about 30, both residents of Cowdray Park. They died at the scene, and their bodies were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem examinations.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the 28-year-old driver of a Toyota Hiace kombi from Emakhandeni has been charged with culpable homicide.

"On 28 January 2026 at around 2016 hours, a male adult aged 28 of Emakhandeni was driving a Toyota Hiace Kombi due west along 6th Avenue with 18 passengers on board. He lost control of the vehicle, swerved to the left, and hit 14 people who were standing or walking near OK Egodini, finally colliding with the OK Egodini wall before stopping," Inspector Msebele said.

Twelve other pedestrians sustained injuries and were taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigations indicate the crash was caused by speeding and failure to keep a proper lookout, prompting the culpable homicide charge against the driver.

Inspector Msebele urged motorists to exercise caution, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. "Drivers should be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times, avoid over-speeding and high take-off speeds, and observe all road rules to prevent such accidents," she said.

She also called on public transport operators to hire properly licensed and experienced drivers and advised passengers to board vehicles only at designated pick-up points.