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By Eustace Sibanda
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested a kombi driver and conductor in connection with the fatal fire incident that claimed the lives of seven schoolchildren at Chirandu Business Centre in Senga, Gweru, on 8 June 2026.
In a statement released on Friday, police confirmed the arrest of Malcolm Elvis Cook (22), the driver, and Trinity Mudhenge (18), the conductor, on charges of culpable homicide.
Investigations revealed that the conductor boarded the omnibus carrying a jerry can containing about nine litres of petrol, which was placed behind the driver's seat after the vehicle had picked up children from various schools.
Police said a flame later emerged from the area where the fuel container had been placed, sparking the blaze that engulfed the vehicle near Chirandu Business Centre, about 100 metres from Matongo Primary School.
The ZRP said the identities of the seven victims will only be released after DNA examinations and positive identifications have been completed.
In a statement released on Friday, police confirmed the arrest of Malcolm Elvis Cook (22), the driver, and Trinity Mudhenge (18), the conductor, on charges of culpable homicide.
Investigations revealed that the conductor boarded the omnibus carrying a jerry can containing about nine litres of petrol, which was placed behind the driver's seat after the vehicle had picked up children from various schools.
Police said a flame later emerged from the area where the fuel container had been placed, sparking the blaze that engulfed the vehicle near Chirandu Business Centre, about 100 metres from Matongo Primary School.
The ZRP said the identities of the seven victims will only be released after DNA examinations and positive identifications have been completed.
Published
June 13, 2026 at 1:16 PM
