Norman Dururu and Dumisani Ndlovu
GWERU- A sombre atmosphere engulfed Gweru today at a memorial service for seven children who died in an inferno in Senga last week when the kombi that was transporting them was involved in an accident and burst into flames.
The seven pupils were from Matongo and Senga Primary Schools and were burnt beyond recognition. They are yet to be identified as families await DNA testing done with members of their respective families so that the remains can be given to the correct family. Once this is done, the families will be able to proceed with burials.
Authorities have in the meantime through school records with the help of their families officially named the deceased children as Alisha Loyo, Peter Tambo, Maengamhuru Thabo, Kith Makarange and Anotida Mawere, all pupils at Matongo Primary School.
The other two victims were Faith Jangara and Junior Albert Muchenamakumbo, both from Senga Primary School.
Speaking during the sendoff ceremony, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa appealed for swift justice for the children whose lives were cut short by the tragedy saying that she was deeply touched by the deaths of the innocent children which could have been prevented.
She expressed concern over reports that the commuter omnibus was overloaded and carrying petrol, saying this reflected gross negligence on the part of the vehicle crew and possibly the vehicle owner.
“They have wronged us and failed us. There was serious overloading, with more than 30 children in a vehicle meant to carry between 15 and 18 passengers.
“With all that negligence, the driver and conductor survived while seven innocent souls lost their lives. They must appear before the courts to answer for their actions,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa questioned why the commuter omnibus crew had transported a flammable substance in a public service vehicle when fuel is readily available at service stations.
She urged police to intensify inspections of public service vehicles to curb overloading, which has contributed to numerous road fatalities.
The First Lady also called on drivers to exercise caution on the roads and expressed concern over reckless driving by inexperienced motorists, whom she said were contributing to fatal accidents.
She further urged authorities to maintain databases of approved school transport operators and appealed to parents to ensure their children use reliable and properly regulated transport services.
She urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to continue providing psychosocial support to grieving families, classmates and school authorities.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo called for the urgent implementation of stricter learner transport policies.
Moyo said the tragedy underscored the need for stronger regulation and enforcement to ensure children travel in safe and properly regulated vehicles.
“The safety of our learners is non-negotiable. Every child has the right to travel to and from school in a safe, secure and properly regulated environment,” he said.
The minister added that Government would strengthen monitoring of vehicles transporting learners through stricter enforcement of certificates of fitness, insurance compliance, routine inspections, prevention of overloading and a complete ban on transporting hazardous substances alongside schoolchildren.
