Four Dead, Several Injured in Munhenzva Bus Crash Near Rutenga

Four people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a Munhenzva cross-border bus accident along the Masvingo–Beitbridge highway on Sunday evening. The bus, which was travelling from Harare to Cape Town, overturned near Chinyu Primary School, about 10 kilometres outside Rutenga.

The crash occurred around 6pm at the 155km peg after the driver reportedly applied emergency brakes to avoid an unidentified object on the road. The sudden stop caused the vehicle to overturn, trapping passengers inside.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the fatalities and injuries, saying rescue efforts were initially hampered by heavy rainfall.

“Yes, a Munhenzva bus was involved in a road traffic accident, and four people have since been confirmed dead. Several others were injured, and we are working to ascertain the exact numbers,” said Inspector Dhewa. “Officers and rescue teams are still at the scene, and efforts are underway to lift the bus to check for any additional victims.”

Mwenezi Rural District Council Chief Executive, Mr Albert Chivanga, also confirmed the incident, adding that some passengers were still trapped under the wreckage when emergency services arrived.

“Preliminary reports suggest the driver applied sudden brakes to avoid hitting something on the road, leading to the overturning of the bus,” he said. “The injured have since been taken to Neshuro District Hospital.”

Police investigations into the cause of the accident continue, while authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution on the country’s major highways, especially during wet conditions.