Police have confirmed the arrest of the driver and conductor of a kombi that caught fire at Chirandu Business Centre in Senga, Gweru, on 8 June 2026, killing seven young schoolchildren.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said on Friday that the driver, Malcolm Elvis Cook (22), and the conductor, Trinity Mudhenge (18), had been arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
The arrests follow the tragic incident in which seven infant learners lost their lives when the kombi was engulfed in flames while transporting pupils home from school.
“Investigations established that on the day in question, the vehicle had picked up school children from various schools before the conductor boarded the omnibus carrying a jerry can containing approximately nine litres of petrol, which was placed behind the driver’s seat,” said Comm Nyathi.
“While the vehicle was travelling along its route, a flame was observed emanating from the area where the fuel container had been placed, resulting in the tragic incident.
“The fire incident occurred about 100 metres from Matongo Primary School premises near Chirandu Business Centre.”
Comm Nyathi added that the identities of the seven victims will only be released after DNA testing has been completed and identification has been made and confirmed.
Related:
ZRP Investigates Fatal Kombi Fire In Gweru
Seven Schoolchildren Killed As Kombi Bursts Into Flames In Gweru