Senga School Run Commuter Omnibus Inferno Driver, Conductor Face Culpable Homicide Charges

Gweru — Two men accused of causing the deadly commuter omnibus fire that killed seven schoolchildren in Gweru are set to appear in court for their initial remand after being charged with culpable homicide.

The suspects, identified as 22-year-old Malcolm Elvis Cook and 18-year-old Trinity Mudhenge, were arrested following investigations into the June 8 tragedy near Chirandu Business Centre in Senga, where a kombi carrying pupils was engulfed by flames.

Police allege that a jerry can containing approximately nine litres of petrol had been placed inside the vehicle before the fire broke out, leading to one of Zimbabwe's deadliest public transport disasters in recent years. 

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), preliminary investigations revealed that the omnibus had collected pupils from several schools before the conductor boarded the vehicle carrying a jerry can containing approximately nine litres of petrol.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the fuel container was allegedly placed behind the driver's seat, creating a potentially hazardous situation inside the passenger vehicle.

Investigators believe the fire originated from the area where the petrol had been stored.

Witnesses reportedly observed flames erupting from that section of the omnibus while it was in motion.

Seven children died in the blaze, in one of the country's worst public transport tragedies in recent years.

The incident sparked national mourning and renewed concerns over passenger safety standards in the public transport sector.

Police said the arrests followed findings that pointed to possible negligence surrounding the transportation and storage of flammable substances inside the vehicle.

Police said authorities are still working to positively identify the deceased children, with DNA testing currently underway due to the severity of the fire.

Commissioner Nyathi urged transport operators to strictly comply with safety regulations and warned against carrying dangerous substances in vehicles transporting passengers.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to urge public transport operators to prioritise passenger safety and adhere to all regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials," he said.

The tragedy has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of transport safety laws and greater accountability within Zimbabwe's commuter omnibus industry as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire continue.

The two accused are expected to appear before the courts for their initial remand hearing, where the State is expected to formally outline the charges against them.