Govt Suspends Urban Connect After Fatal Masvingo C...

Govt Suspends Urban Connect After Fatal Masvingo Crash

Zim Now Writer

The government has suspended Urban Connect Holdings Pvt Ltd from operating all its omnibuses for six months following a tragic road accident that claimed 25 lives and left several others seriously injured.

The accident occurred on February 13, 2025, at the 263 km peg along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Road.

Announcing the suspension, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona stated that Urban Connect had violated multiple road traffic and safety regulations, prompting decisive action.

“The bus (registration number AGL2474) involved in the accident did not have a valid Passenger Insurance Policy as required under Section 38(b)(1) of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11]. Additionally, it lacked a valid Route Permit as prescribed in Section 12 of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15],” said Mhona.

He further revealed that preliminary investigations suggested that the driver was not compliant with the Re-Test requirement under Section 5 of Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.

Mhona directed the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation to invoke Section 17(b)(i) of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15], leading to the immediate suspension of Urban Connect’s operations across all routes for six months as further investigations continue

“These violations constitute a serious breach of the operator’s license conditions, warranting firm action,” he added.

The Minister also issued a stern warning to transport operators, motorists, and associations, emphasizing that the government will strictly enforce road traffic laws to ensure public safety.

“The Ministry will take strong action, as prescribed by law, against those who flagrantly violate road traffic rules and regulations,” Mhona said.