In the heart of Chitungwiza, a peculiar phenomenon has captured the attention of residents. A bus, parked near a car repair garage at Chikwanha Shopping Centre, has been stationary for months. Yet, locals claim it’s not just sitting idle – it’s coming alive. Every morning and evening, at precisely 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., the bus’s headlights flicker on, illuminating the surrounding area. Some residents even report hearing music playing from inside the empty bus, while others claim to have seen ghostly figures sitting quietly, as if dozing off.

The bus’s mysterious behavior has sparked a range of reactions from the community. Some believe it’s haunted by the spirit of a former owner, who allegedly died under the bus. According to local lore, the original owner was run over by the bus while repairing it underneath, and his spirit now haunts the vehicle. Others are more skeptical, attributing the strange occurrences to natural causes or even pranksters.

Tatenda Gurwe, the bus owner, dismisses the claims of paranormal activity. “It’s just solar-powered lights,” he says. “No ghosts, no witchcraft.” Gurwe attributes the lights to the bus’s solar-powered system, which he claims is designed to turn on automatically at dawn and dusk. He even offers a demonstration, unplugging the lights to prove his point.

Despite Gurwe’s rational explanation, many residents remain unconvinced. Some believe traditional rituals are at play, while others think it’s just a dead battery that’s causing the strange behavior. Solomon Svikiro Mandela, a senior conductor at the Charge Office bus terminal in Harare, hints that some bus operators do use traditional rituals for good luck. He shares stories of mysterious bus behavior, where certain vehicles refuse to start or exhibit strange behavior unless specific rituals are performed.

Sekuru Peter Maponda, a traditional healer, weighs in on the debate. “Vehicles involved in fatal accidents need spiritual cleansing,” he advises. “Unsettled spirits can cause strange occurrences.” Maponda’s words carry weight in the community, where traditional beliefs and spirituality are deeply ingrained.

As the mystery surrounding the bus continues, residents remain divided. Some are convinced that the bus is haunted, while others believe it’s just a case of a faulty battery or a prank gone wrong. Will the bus ever hit the road again, or will its mysterious reputation keep it parked forever?

For now, the bus remains a source of fascination and speculation, a topic of conversation that will likely continue to spark debate and curiosity in the community.

source-Byo24