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By Priscilla Mafa
The City of Gweru has expressed profound sorrow following a tragic commuter omnibus fire in Senga that claimed the lives of seven children, describing the incident as a devastating loss that has shaken the entire community.
In a message of condolence issued by Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko, councillors, Town Clerk Louis Churu, management and staff, the local authority extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families as they grapple with the loss of their children.
The city leadership said the tragedy had left residents in shock and mourning, noting that the deaths of the seven infants had touched not only the affected families but the nation as a whole.
“It is with profound shock, sadness, and a heavy heart that we extend our heartfelt condolences following the tragic commuter omnibus fire in Senga, which claimed the lives of seven precious infants,” read part of the statement.
The local authority acknowledged the immense pain being experienced by the families and pledged solidarity and support during this difficult period.
“No words can adequately express the pain and grief brought about by such a devastating loss. The passing of these innocent young lives is a tragedy that has touched not only the affected families but the entire City of Gweru and the nation at large,” the statement added.
The City of Gweru said it stands with the affected families as they mourn their loved ones and encouraged the community to provide comfort and support to those who have been impacted by the tragedy.
The City of Gweru concluded its message by praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved families and honouring the memory of the seven infants whose lives were cut short.
“May the memories of these little angels forever remain in your hearts, and may you find strength, courage, and comfort in the support of family, friends, and the wider community.”
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, said the declaration of the accident as a national disaster enables Government to mobilise resources and provide immediate assistance to the bereaved families as well as those injured in the tragedy.
“His Excellency the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, this evening was briefed about the tragic accident in which seven pupils perished in an inferno when a commuter omnibus they were travelling on caught fire at the Gweru suburb of Senga today (yesterday),” he said.
Dr Rushwaya said 11 more pupils and the driver were taken for medical attention.
He added that the Government will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that affected families receive the necessary support during this difficult period.
Dr Rushwaya said President Mnangagwa has once again urged all road users to exercise maximum caution and adhere to traffic regulations, warning that the country has witnessed a worrying rise in fatal road accidents over the past 30 days.
“His Excellency the President has again appealed to all road users to exercise maximum caution on the roads to avoid more such tragic accidents, which have recurred with disturbing frequency in the last 30 days,” he said.
Dr Rushwaya said President Mnangagwa expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those receiving treatment.
In a message of condolence issued by Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko, councillors, Town Clerk Louis Churu, management and staff, the local authority extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families as they grapple with the loss of their children.
The city leadership said the tragedy had left residents in shock and mourning, noting that the deaths of the seven infants had touched not only the affected families but the nation as a whole.
“It is with profound shock, sadness, and a heavy heart that we extend our heartfelt condolences following the tragic commuter omnibus fire in Senga, which claimed the lives of seven precious infants,” read part of the statement.
The local authority acknowledged the immense pain being experienced by the families and pledged solidarity and support during this difficult period.
“No words can adequately express the pain and grief brought about by such a devastating loss. The passing of these innocent young lives is a tragedy that has touched not only the affected families but the entire City of Gweru and the nation at large,” the statement added.
The City of Gweru said it stands with the affected families as they mourn their loved ones and encouraged the community to provide comfort and support to those who have been impacted by the tragedy.
The City of Gweru concluded its message by praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved families and honouring the memory of the seven infants whose lives were cut short.
“May the memories of these little angels forever remain in your hearts, and may you find strength, courage, and comfort in the support of family, friends, and the wider community.”
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, said the declaration of the accident as a national disaster enables Government to mobilise resources and provide immediate assistance to the bereaved families as well as those injured in the tragedy.
“His Excellency the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, this evening was briefed about the tragic accident in which seven pupils perished in an inferno when a commuter omnibus they were travelling on caught fire at the Gweru suburb of Senga today (yesterday),” he said.
Dr Rushwaya said 11 more pupils and the driver were taken for medical attention.
He added that the Government will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that affected families receive the necessary support during this difficult period.
Dr Rushwaya said President Mnangagwa has once again urged all road users to exercise maximum caution and adhere to traffic regulations, warning that the country has witnessed a worrying rise in fatal road accidents over the past 30 days.
“His Excellency the President has again appealed to all road users to exercise maximum caution on the roads to avoid more such tragic accidents, which have recurred with disturbing frequency in the last 30 days,” he said.
Dr Rushwaya said President Mnangagwa expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those receiving treatment.
Published
June 11, 2026 at 12:54 PM
