Parked bus bombed in Chipinge as route wars escalate

A bus belonging to Big Game Motors was allegedly blown up with suspected mining explosives at an illegal bus terminus in Chipinge on Friday morning.

According to The Manica Post, the explosion occurred at around 3 am. It extensively damaged the bus’s right rear tyre and axle, leaving the vehicle grounded.

The incident has heightened fears over escalating violence linked to battles for lucrative passenger transport routes.

Police have launched investigations, although no arrests had been made by the time of publication.

ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident. He said the driver and conductor were sleeping in the bus when an unidentified person threw a detonator.

The suspect will be charged with attempted murder and malicious damage to property.

“We are investigating a case of attempted murder and malicious damage to property which happened on August 21, 2026. A bus belonging to Big Game was parked at Chinheya Business Centre,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“On the same day around 3 am, a person went to the bus and threw a detonator on the rear wheels. The bus driver and conductor were sleeping inside the bus at the back.

“The driver and conductor managed to escape safely. The bus was damaged at the back. We are now investigating the motive behind the attack.”

The incident is the latest in a series of violent confrontations involving bus operators and their crews in Chipinge.

Established transport companies are reportedly resisting the entry of new competitors on profitable routes. These include Chipinge-Harare, Chipinge-Bulawayo, Chipinge-Kwekwe and other destinations.

Residents said the blast sent shockwaves across parts of the town.

It has raised serious concerns about the safety of commuters who rely on public transport daily.

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