Govt suspends omnibus operator's licence after fatal crash

Government has suspended the operating licence of transport operator Blessing Matimbe, grounding all his omnibuses after investigations into a fatal road accident uncovered multiple breaches of road traffic and public transport regulations.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona announced the suspension on Thursday following investigations into a crash that occurred on June 1 at the intersection of Willowvale Road and Nyandoro Road in Harare.

The accident claimed the lives of three people and left 10 others seriously injured.

According to Mhona, investigations revealed that the omnibus involved in the crash, registration number AGL 0921, was operating without a valid Certificate of Fitness and a Route Permit.

He said investigators also found that the driver had failed to comply with several provisions of Zimbabwe's road traffic laws.

"The investigations established that the operator, Blessing Matimbe, was in breach of the country's road traffic and safety regulations," Mhona said.

He said the violations constituted "a serious breach of the terms and conditions attached to the operator's licence" to provide public transport services.

"Acting under the Road Motor Transportation Act, the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation has suspended, with immediate effect, the operation of all omnibuses belonging to Blessing Matimbe on every route authorised by the Ministry," Mhona said.

"This suspension shall remain in force until corrective compliance measures have been instituted in terms of the laws and regulations of the country."

The minister warned that government would continue taking firm action against transport operators who disregard safety requirements.

"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," he said.

"Operators who disregard licence conditions, statutory obligations and safety requirements will face suspension or cancellation of their licences."

Mhona also urged road traffic law enforcement agencies to intensify enforcement of traffic regulations to improve safety on Zimbabwe's roads.

"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," he said.

The suspension comes as authorities tighten enforcement in the public transport sector following a series of fatal road accidents involving commuter omnibuses, many of which have been linked to unroadworthy vehicles and non-compliance with transport regulations.