HARARE — A kombi driver and conductor have been arrested on culpable homicide charges following a fire that killed seven school children in Gweru on June 8, police said on Friday.
The police identified the driver as Malcolm Elvis Cook, 22, and the conductor as Trinity Mudhenge, 18.
The fire broke out near Chirandu Business Centre in the Senga area of Gweru, about 100 metres from Matongo Primary School. Seven school children died in the blaze.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said their investigation established that the kombi had picked up school children from various schools before the conductor boarded the vehicle carrying a jerry can containing nine litres of petrol. The fuel container was placed behind the driver’s seat.
While the vehicle was travelling along its route, a flame was observed emanating from the area where the fuel container had been placed, resulting in the tragedy.
Police said the identities of the seven victims would only be released after DNA examinations had been completed and positive identifications confirmed.
