By Admore Mbonda in Karoi
Karoi, Zimbabwe – A Zebra Kiss bus en route from Harare to Lusaka was involved in a serious accident late last night, just a few kilometers before Marongora near Chirundu.
The Zebra Kiss bus veered off the road and plunged into a ditch, leaving several passengers injured.
Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, confirmed the incident. He said the injured passengers were swiftly transported to nearby health facilities in Karoi, Chirundu, and Mutenderi for medical treatment.
This latest crash comes barely a week after another accident involving a Malawian-registered Achisi Bus, which occurred along the same Harare–Chirundu highway near the 165-kilometer peg at Kingsview.
That incident also resulted in numerous injuries and has further spotlighted the alarming safety issues plaguing this route.
The Harare–Chirundu Road is notorious for its deteriorating condition, marked by dangerous potholes and sharp bends that have contributed to frequent accidents over the years.
In one of the most tragic incidents in 2017, a King Lion bus crashed near Nyamakate, claiming 43 lives and injuring 24 others. Investigations revealed the driver had been speeding, prompting nationwide calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better road maintenance.
More recently, in 2023, another Zebra Kiss bus crashed near Maningwa Mountain while traveling from Zambia. That accident resulted in 13 serious injuries and 43 minor ones.
Excessive speed was again cited as a contributing factor, with many passengers asleep during the incident.
Following the latest accident, Gemnation visited Karoi Hospital, where several injured passengers are recovering. Community members there are calling for urgent action to improve road safety.
Passenger Testimonies:
Jane Moyo, who sustained minor injuries, recalled the terrifying moment:
“It all happened so fast. One moment we were driving normally, and the next, the bus was off the road. I just hope this leads to real change and safer roads.”
Another survivor, Tendai Chibanda, shared a similar concern:
“It’s terrifying that this keeps happening. Authorities need to act. We can’t keep risking our lives every time we board a bus.”
Tafadzwa Goliath, President of the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ), expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of bus accidents.
“We are alarmed by these recurring incidents. Speeding, poor road conditions, and lack of proper vehicle maintenance are a dangerous combination,” he said. “We urge the authorities to act decisively to prevent further loss of life.”
While the government has rolled out various initiatives to enhance road safety—including tighter regulations and increased enforcement—many feel these efforts fall short.
Community members continue to demand more comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of these accidents.
As public concern intensifies, the call for urgent and lasting road safety reforms grows louder. For the passengers of the Zebra Kiss bus, last night’s journey serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that still lurk on Zimbabwe’s roads.
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