Staff Reporter

The Government has suspended the operating licenceof Urban Connect Holdings (Pvt) Ltd following a tragic bus accident that claimed 25 lives last week.

The crash, which occurred along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Road, also left many passengers seriously injured.

In a statement yesterday, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, said the company had failed to comply with national road traffic and safety regulations.

Investigations revealed that the bus involved in the accident, registration number AGL2474, did not have a valid passenger insurance policy as required underSection 38(b)(1) of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11].

Additionally, the bus lacked a valid route permit as required under Section 12 of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15].

Authorities suspect the driver had not met the re-test requirements prescribed in Section 5 of Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.

“These violations by the bus operator are a serious breach of the terms and conditions of the operator’s licence issued to the company,” Minister Mhona statedin a statement.

The Ministry consequently directed the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation to suspend Urban Connect Holdings' operations for six months, pending further investigations.

Minister Mhona conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and expressed concern over the increasing number of road fatalities.

"We mourn the demise of innocent men and women, most of whom were breadwinners. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, and our prayers are with the injured as they continue to receive treatment," he said.

Government has pledged to intensify enforcement of road traffic laws to prevent further tragedies.

Minister Mhona warned transport operators againstviolating regulations, emphasising that authorities would not hesitate to suspend or cancel licences for non-compliance.

“The safety and security of all commuting public cannot be taken for granted,” he stated.

With Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day approaching, the Ministry urged all road users, transport associations, and law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with traffic laws to enhance public safety.