At least 23 passengers sustained injuries on Monday, 28 July 2025, when a Zhongtong passenger bus overturned along the busy Masvingo–Beitbridge highway, authorities have confirmed. The accident occurred at the 144-kilometre peg of the national road, a known accident-prone stretch, prompting renewed concerns over road safety in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) released a statement confirming the accident, which involved a bus carrying 31 passengers at the time of the accident. According to preliminary reports, the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and overturned before coming to rest on its side.
“The ZRP reports a road traffic accident which occurred at the 144 km peg along Masvingo–Beitbridge Road on 28 July 2025,” the statement read. “The driver of a Zhongtong bus, with 31 passengers on board, reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus veered off the road and overturned, landing on its side.”
Emergency services responded swiftly, with all 23 injured passengers transported to Rutenga Clinic for medical attention. The nature and extent of their injuries were not immediately disclosed, though authorities indicated that updates on their condition would be provided as they became available. There were no fatalities reported at the time of the initial police update.
Investigations into the cause of the accident have been launched, with police saying they are looking into whether driver error, vehicle condition, road surface, or other external factors contributed to the crash. Eyewitness accounts, passenger testimonies, and possible surveillance footage from highway cameras will also be examined as part of the probe.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of traffic accidents on Zimbabwe’s major highways, especially the Masvingo–Beitbridge corridor, which is a critical route for both domestic and cross-border transportation. The highway serves as a primary link between the southern regions of Zimbabwe and the Beitbridge Border Post — the busiest land border in Southern Africa.
The Masvingo–Beitbridge road, despite ongoing upgrades in some sections, continues to be plagued by a mix of hazards including worn-out tarmac, narrow shoulders, potholes, and limited signage. These factors, combined with driver fatigue, speeding, and at times reckless overtaking, contribute to its reputation as one of the country’s most dangerous roads.
23 Injured as Zhongtong Bus Overturns on Masvingo–Beitbridge Road
Road safety advocates and transport unions have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better driver education. The Zimbabwe Traffic Safety Council has also warned against long-distance travel without adequate rest and vehicle checks.
“This is yet another tragic reminder of the importance of adhering to speed limits and conducting proper vehicle maintenance,” said Tendai Mashingaidze, a road safety expert and member of the National Transport and Safety Council. “We urge all drivers — especially public transport operators — to take every precaution necessary to ensure passenger safety. Fatigue, distraction, and overconfidence behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.”
Passenger bus operators are under increasing scrutiny following a spate of similar incidents in recent years. The Zhongtong model involved in Monday’s crash is widely used by transport companies across Zimbabwe, but some critics argue that maintenance standards are often not up to par, especially among smaller operators with limited budgets.
Meanwhile, passengers who were on board during the crash expressed shock and trauma, with some recounting how the bus appeared to be travelling at a high speed moments before it veered off the road. “Everything happened so fast,” said one survivor being treated at Rutenga Clinic. “We just felt the bus shaking, and then it rolled onto its side. People were screaming and trying to get out.”
The Ministry of Transport is yet to issue a formal statement on the incident, but sources within the department indicated that officials will be dispatched to the crash site to assess the situation and support the investigation.
As the nation awaits more detailed information from police and transport authorities, the accident has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure, strict enforcement of road laws, and comprehensive passenger safety measures — particularly along Zimbabwe’s most travelled routes.
For now, the injured passengers continue to receive care, while families and communities anxiously hope for full recoveries. The incident stands as a sobering reminder of the fragile line between routine travel and disaster on Zimbabwe’s long-distance roads.
