Masvingo – Tragedy struck along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway yesterday when a Munenzva bus, en route to South Africa, overturned near Rutenga Growth Point, resulting in the deaths of four people and serious injuries to thirteen others. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the fatal incident, adding that the cross-border bus was travelling from Harare to Cape Town.
According to police reports, the accident occurred at approximately 5:20 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the 155-kilometre peg along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Road.
“The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident involving a Munenzva bus travelling from Harare to Cape Town, which occurred at the 155 km peg along the Masvingo–Beitbridge road today, November 16, 2025, at around 1720 hours. More details will be released in due course,” stated Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP national spokesperson.
Initial reports indicate that the Cape Town-bound bus, carrying 27 people including the crew, overturned and landed on its roof after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The accident occurred about 10 kilometres from Rutenga.
Tragically, three people died at the scene of the accident, having been trapped beneath the overturned bus. The fourth person succumbed to their injuries later at Neshuro District Hospital. The thirteen individuals who sustained injuries are currently admitted to Neshuro District Hospital, where their condition is described as critical.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, indicated that a comprehensive statement regarding the crash would be issued by Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the National Police Spokesperson.
At present, the identities of the deceased have not been disclosed, as authorities are still in the process of informing their next of kin.
Images circulating on social media depict the grim aftermath of the accident, with the bus lying upside down, its roof torn open, and wheels pointing skyward. Metal wreckage is strewn around a large tree, and personal belongings, broken seats, and luggage are scattered across the scene. The ill-fated coach, belonging to Munenzva Bus Company, overturned along the Rutenga–Mwenezi stretch and rammed into a tree, resulting in the debris being strewn all over the crash scene.
Early reports suggest that heavy rainfall and slippery road conditions may have contributed to the accident. The hazardous conditions would have made driving particularly perilous, especially if the bus was travelling at excessive speed.
The accident has prompted renewed calls for increased road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The police are continuing their investigations to determine the precise cause of the accident.
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