STATISTICS showing that 77 pupils were crammed into just two kombis in Harare should trigger outrage and concern among parents and all of us. This is not merely a case of poor judgement — it is a dangerous gamble with children’s lives. Seventy-seven pupils divided into two commuter omnibuses means nearly 40 children per vehicle.
A standard kombi is designed to carry about 18 passengers. Even if we stretch that capacity slightly, squeezing in almost triple the safe limit is reckless in the extreme. These are not sacks of mealie-meal; these are children entrusted to adults for safe passage to and from school.
Overloading vehicles significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents. The laws of physics are unforgiving. A heavily overloaded kombi has compromised braking efficiency, reduced stability, and a much higher chance of tyre bursts.
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In the event of an accident, the consequences are catastrophic. There is no space for proper seating and no safe evacuation route. It becomes a moving death trap.
What is even more disturbing is the normalisation of this behaviour. Overcrowded kombis are a familiar sight on Harare’s roads. However, when it involves schoolchildren, the matter becomes even more serious.
Children are vulnerable and depend entirely on adults to protect them. When those responsible for their welfare prioritise convenience or profit over safety, it is a betrayal of trust. Any institution that arranges or permits such transport must answer serious questions. Cost-cutting cannot justify endangering lives.
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