Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Government has suspended the operating licence for all omnibuses run by transport operator, Blessing Matimbe after investigations into a fatal road accident found multiple breaches of road traffic and public transport regulations.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona on Thursday said the suspension follows investigations into a June 1 crash at the intersection of Willowvale Road and Nyandoro Road in Harare that killed three people and left 10 passengers seriously injured.
He said the omnibus involved in the accident, registration number AGL0921, was operating without a valid Certificate of Fitness and a Route Permit, while the driver also failed to comply with regulatory requirements under the country’s road traffic laws.
“The investigations established that the operator, Blessing Matimbe, was in breach of the country’s road traffic and safety regulations,” Mhona said.
He said the violations amounted to “a serious breach of the terms and conditions attached to the operator’s licence” for the provision of public transport services.
“Acting under the Road Motor Transportation Act, the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation has suspended, with immediate effect, the operation of all omnibuses belonging to Blessing Matimbe on every route authorised by the Ministry.
“This suspension shall remain in force until corrective compliance measures have been instituted in terms of the laws and regulations of the country,” Mhona said.
He warned that authorities would not tolerate operators who flout safety regulations, saying the government remained committed to protecting the travelling public.
“I wish to remind all transport operators, associations, motorists and members of the public that the safety and security of the commuting public should not be compromised.
“Operators who disregard licence conditions, statutory obligations and safety requirements will face suspension or cancellation of their licences,” Mhona warned.
He also called on road traffic law enforcement agencies to intensify enforcement of traffic laws to improve road safety.
“We call upon all road traffic law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and ensure full compliance with the country’s road traffic laws for the protection of all road users,” he said.
The latest action comes as authorities continue efforts to tighten compliance in the country’s public transport sector following a series of fatal road accidents linked to unroadworthy vehicles and violations of transport regulations.
New Ziana
