Seven Pupils Die in Gweru Kombi Fire

A devastating fire involving a commuter omnibus carrying schoolchildren in Gweru has claimed the lives of seven pupils. The incident occurred on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, when the kombi burst into flames near Matongo Primary School. Authorities are investigating reports that a container of petrol inside the vehicle may have contributed to the tragedy. Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the deaths and said the number of injured persons is still being verified. The kombi was reportedly carrying 24 school children at the time of the fire. The tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for stricter safety regulations for public transport. The core vulnerability is the lack of enforcement of safety standards for commuter omnibuses, putting lives at risk.