Senga Fire Incident Kombi Driver, Conductor Further Remanded as Forensic Investigations Continue

Gweru — The driver and conductor of the Senga commuter omnibus that caught fire and claimed the lives of seven school children have been further remanded in custody to 7 July 2026 as forensic investigations into the tragedy continue.

Malcolm Elvis Cook (22) and Trinity Mudhenge (18) appeared before Gweru Regional Magistrate, Sibongile Marondedze.

The court was informed that investigations are still underway, particularly forensic examinations of the jerry can believed to have contained petrol.

The two accused were represented by Gweru lawyer, Tuso Omega Maputsenyika.

Cook and Mudhenge are facing seven counts of culpable homicide arising from the devastating fire that occurred on 10 June 2026 near Chirandu Business Centre in Senga.

They were not asked to plead.

According to the State, a jerry can containing petrol had been placed inside the commuter omnibus before a fire broke out, engulfing the vehicle and resulting in the deaths of seven school children.

Prosecutors allege that the accused negligently caused the children's deaths by permitting the transportation of the fuel container inside the passenger vehicle.

The State, represented by Prosecutor Sibangani Dube, previously opposed bail, arguing that the offence is serious and carries the possibility of a lengthy custodial sentence, increasing the risk that the accused could abscond.

Investigating officer, Detective Assistant Inspector Nyarai Makaza, also told the court that investigations remain incomplete and that releasing the accused could interfere with witnesses, including a key witness believed to be their manager.

The prosecution further argued that the tragedy has deeply affected the local community and that releasing the accused before investigations are concluded could undermine public peace and confidence in the justice system.