Victims Named As ZRP Confirms 12 Dead- iHarare News

Gwanda Kombi Explosion: ZRP Releases Details, Names Of Victim

The deadly kombi explosion near Gwanda has taken a clearer shape after police released new details and identified victims, following the tragic blast that killed passengers along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on 17 April 2026 that 12 people died when a Toyota Quantum carrying passengers exploded at the 27-kilometre peg near Esigodini on 16 April 2026 at around 1245 hours. Earlier reports had suggested a higher death toll.

Victims Named As Families Begin Mourning

Police said nine victims have now been formally identified by their families.

In a statement, the force said:

“The Police has established that 12 people were killed after a Toyota Quantum carrying 11 passengers exploded.”

Authorities went on to release the names of the deceased who have been identified so far.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases the names of nine of the 12 victims who were positively identified by their next of kin.”

The identified victims are:

• Thabani Moyo (37), a male adult of Old Lobengula, Bulawayo
• Nobuhle Mdlongwa (37), a female adult of Entumbane, Bulawayo
• Oscar Mdlongwa (44), a male adult
• Sicelesile Mabhena, a female adult of Nkulumane 5, Bulawayo
• Sibusiso Mabhena (5), a male juvenile of Nkulumane 5, Bulawayo
• Mhlupeki Limkani Sibanda (36), a male adult of Nkulumane 05, Bulawayo
• Tedious Ncube, a male adult
• Precious Moyo (36), a female adult of Pumula North, Bulawayo
• Promise Brian Gabadela, a male adult

Families are still waiting for confirmation of the remaining victims as identification efforts continue.

Confusion Over Death Toll And Explosion Details

The latest update follows an earlier alert issued on 16 April 2026, where police indicated a significantly higher possible death toll.

“The ZRP reports the death of +/- 18 people when a kombi exploded into fire between Chipangali and Esigodini tollgate,” police said at the time.

The revised figure of 12 fatalities has drawn attention. However, the conditions at the scene may explain the initial estimate.

Witness accounts and reports from the scene described widespread destruction, with debris and human remains scattered over a large area following the blast.

This has led to suggestions that the first figure may have been based on the vehicle’s carrying capacity, while the updated number reflects confirmed identifications.

“The cause of the explosion is yet to be established. More details to be released in due course,” police confirmed.

Bodies Taken For Post-Mortem As Probe Continues

Police confirmed that all recovered bodies were transported to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem examinations.

“The bodies of the victims were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for post mortem.”

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expected to rely on forensic processes to confirm identities and determine what triggered the explosion.

The incident is one of the deadliest tragedies in recent months along the busy Bulawayo–Beitbridge corridor, a key route linking Zimbabwe and South Africa.

More updates are expected as investigators piece together what happened in the moments before the blast.