PAZ president Tafadzwa Goliati
BY NYARADZO CHITUNGO
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) reports that it is deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic accident that occurred in the early hours of Friday in Buhera, Manicaland Province, where nine people drowned after a Gutu-Murambinda commuter omnibus rolled into Ruti Dam.
According to a statement issued by PAZ president Tafadzwa Goliati, this incident raises serious concerns about passenger safety, vehicle roadworthiness and the enforcement of transport regulations in Zimbabwe.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development issued a directive restricting commuter omnibuses to a 60km radius of operation.
“However, enforcement remains weak. On major routes, we continue to witness overloaded and uninsured kombis. “Unroadworthy vehicles and operators without valid permits are operating with impunity, often facilitated by corruption,” said Goliati.
Goliati revealed that PAZ calls on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to urgently intensify enforcement of traffic laws and conduct thorough vehicle inspections.
“The Vehicle Inspection Department to carry out immediate blitzes on commuter omnibuses to ensure roadworthiness.
“Transport Operators to prioritize passenger safety over profit and to desist from overloading and operating unfit vehicles.
“Government to decisively address corruption that allows illegal operators to continue endangering lives,” said Goliati.
Goliati further extended PAZ’s heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragedy.
Meanwhile PAZ also reported with sadnesss the head-on collision on the Harare-Chirundu Road near Chinhoyi on July 17, 2026, which claimed eight lives, including a seven-month-old baby.
“Reports that an unauthorized tout drove the vehicle, and that it was later involved in a crash while being driven by police with passengers on board, raise serious concerns about negligence, illegal operations, and disregard for passenger safety.
“PAZ calls for full investigations and accountability for all parties involved. We urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Vehicle Inspection Department to immediately stop the practice of moving impounded vehicles with passengers on board.
“We further call on transport operators to ensure that only licensed drivers operate vehicles.
“No passenger should lose their life due to negligence and illegal practices,” added Goliati.
