Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
POLICE have arrested the driver and conductor of the commuter omnibus that caught fire at Chirandu Business Centre in Senga, Gweru on Wednesday leading to the death of seven primary school pupils.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, issued a statement confirming the arrests of the driver Malcolm Elviz Cook (22) and conductor Trinity Mudhenge (18).
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of the kombi driver, Malcolm Elvis Cook (22) and conductor Trinity Mudhenge (18) for culpable homicide,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said the fire occurred about 100 metres from Matongo Primary School premises near Chirandu Business Centre.
He said 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.
“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,” Comm Nyathi said.
He said the identities of the seven victims would only be released after DNA examinations had been completed and positive identifications had been made and confirmed.
The arrest follows the activation of civil protection protocols by Government to assist bereaved families, with DNA sampling and counselling services already underway in Gweru.
Bongani Ndlovu