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Despite accepting responsibility and apologising for the needless loss of life and several injuries, Rimbi and Zebra Kiss’ operating licences have been suspended by the government.
The suspension is with immediate effect.
The action by the government followed a national outcry caused by a video that went viral on social media showing the two buses racing on a narrow road.
It was recorded by passengers aboard the Rimbi bus, clearly showing the drivers disregarding basic road rules.
In a statement, Minister Mhona said government reached the decision informed by the foregoing violations and verified videographic circumstances with the view to weed out all errant operators from the country’s roads.
“In view of the incessant road fatalities being recorded on our roads, I have taken a bold stance to reduce road carnage as the Minister responsible for administering laws and regulations on road traffic and safety management.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and other actors in the ecosystem of road traffic management, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) and emergency health services has established the component of human error, prohibited by Sections 51, 52 and 53 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] as the principal cause of the accident,” read the statement.
“Sections 51, 52 and 53 of the Road Traffic Act prohibit driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others, negligent or dangerous driving and reckless driving respectively, which violation is a breach of the terms and conditions of the two operators’ licenses issued for them to operate in Zimbabwe.”
Zebra Kiss Managing director Tangisai Mapuranga and Rimbi Tours director Decent Rimbi also issued a joint statement apologising.
“We would like to apologise to the entire nation for the road traffic accident that occurred along Nyamapanda Highway on Tuesday that was caused by mere driving negligence.
“We take full responsibility for the reckless driving exhibited by our drivers and have since taken internal disciplinary measures while the Police have also instigated appropriate measures. Our deepest condolences for the life loss, injuries and trauma experienced by our supporting passengers and staff members,” they said.
They wished a speedy recovery to those injured and promised to foot their medical bills. They will also render assistance to the bereaved family.
One person died while seven others were injured after a Rimbi bus rammed into a tipper truck at the 160km peg along Harare-Nyamapanda road Tuesday. Nhau/Indaba
