The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested a kombi driver and conductor in connection with the deadly fire incident at Chirandu Business Centre that claimed the lives of seven schoolchildren.
Police confirmed that driver Malcolm Elvis Cook (22) and conductor Trinity Mudhenge (18) are facing culpable homicide charges.
Investigations revealed that the conductor allegedly boarded the omnibus carrying a jerry can containing approximately nine litres of petrol, which was placed behind the driver’s seat. While the vehicle was travelling along its route, flames reportedly erupted from the area where the fuel container had been placed, triggering the fatal inferno about 100 metres from Matongo Primary School.
The tragic incident occurred on 8 June 2026, when a commuter omnibus transporting schoolchildren caught fire near Chirandu Business Centre in Senga, Gweru. The blaze rapidly engulfed the vehicle, leaving several children trapped inside and unable to escape.
The incident shocked Zimbabwe and sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the safety standards of public transport vehicles, especially those used to ferry schoolchildren. Concerns were also raised over the illegal transportation of flammable substances in passenger vehicles.
Police said the identities of the seven victims will only be released after DNA examinations and formal identification procedures are completed.
