The police have reiterated that it is a criminal offence to possess or transport explosives anywhere in the country without the requisite licence or authorisation.
In a recent statement, the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that both Zimbabweans and foreign nationals are strictly prohibited from handling or moving explosives unless duly licensed in accordance with the Explosives Act, Chapter 10:08.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reminds Zimbabweans and foreigners that in terms of the Explosives Act, Chapter 10:08, it is a criminal offence for anyone to be in possession or transport explosives to any part of the country without being licensed or authorised to do so,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“Public service vehicles, family or private vehicles are not allowed or permitted to carry explosives for whatever reason. This is for the safety of travellers and the effective maintenance of law and order in the country.
“As guided by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and certainly the provisions of the Explosive Act, there are clear legal conditions through which explosives are manufactured, acquired, stored and ultimately transported.”
Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to report anyone suspected of illegally transporting explosives in public service, private, or family vehicles.
“In this regard, Zimbabweans are urged to report anyone illegally transporting explosives in public service vehicles, family or private vehicles,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“The public should utilise the ZRP National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631, WhatsApp number 0712800197 or report at any nearest police station.
“Above all, the explosives should be kept in authorised magazines as prescribed by the relevant ministry and the provisions of the Explosive Act.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure the law takes its course without fear or favour on anyone found in illegal possession or transporting explosives without the relevant licence or authority.”
The warning follows a devastating incident in which a South Africa-registered Toyota Quantum kombi erupted into a fireball along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road, between Chipangali and the Gwanda Tollgate, near Esigodini, on 16 April 2026.
Initial reports suggested as many as 18 fatalities; however, subsequent police updates revised the death toll to 12. The explosion was of such ferocity that it claimed the lives of nearly all those on board.
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