The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has suspended the operating licence of Urban Connect Bus Holdings (Pvt) Ltd with immediate effect following a fatal accident which claimed 25 lives on February 13.
The bus was carrying 65 passengers and had a head-on collision with an Auro transport haulage truck with four occupants.
The accident occurred along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road last week Thursday around 8 am.
In a press statement, Transport Felix Mhonha said investigations revealed that the company was in violation of several road traffic and safety regulations, including operating without a valid Passenger Insurance Policy and Route Permit.
“The bus registration number AGL2474 belonging to this company did not have a valid Passenger Insurance Policy as prescribed under Section 38(b)(1) of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11].
“In addition, the vehicle did not have a valid Route Permit as prescribed in Section 12 of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15],” he said.
Further investigations suggested that the driver of the bus had not undergone the mandatory retesting requirement in line with Section 5 of Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.
“The above violations by the bus operator are a serious breach of the terms and conditions of the operator’s licence issued to the company for it to operate in Zimbabwe,” he said.
As a result, the Ministry invoked Section 17(b)(i) of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15], suspending Urban Connect’s operations on all routes for six months pending further investigations.
Minister Mhonha extended condolences to the affected families and reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing road safety regulations.
“We mourn the demise of innocent men and women, most of whom were breadwinners who perished in this crash.
“Our thoughts are with all the families of the people who were killed, and our prayers are with those injured as they continue to receive treatment and care,” he said.
He also warned transport operators, motorists, and the public of stricter enforcement of road traffic laws, particularly ahead of the National Youth Day long weekend.
“The safety and security of all commuting public cannot be taken for granted. We will not hesitate to suspend and cancel licences of operators who violate terms and conditions of such licences, traffic rules, and regulations,” he said.
He also urged all road traffic law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in ensuring compliance with safety regulations to prevent further tragedies.
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