SA bus crash latest: Zim consul speaks on body repatriation costs

By Staff Reporter & Agencies

THE Zimbabwe government will cover repatriation costs for the bodies of people who died in bus crash in South Africa on Tuesday evening.

10 people died after the bus ferrying commuters from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg lost control and overturned in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo province.

The victims, five men and five women, have all been identified as Zimbabwean nationals.

Zimbabwe’s Consul-General in South Africa, Eria Phiri, confirmed the Harare government would cover body repatriation costs.

He as speaking during a visit to the accident site together with South Africa’s deputy transport minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

“We are still trying to verify the real identity of those who perished in the accident,” said Phiri.

“We have got 10 and so far, I think we still have seven who are still admitted in various hospitals here in Makhado and 32 were treated and discharged.

“We’re right now in contact with the families back home in Zimbabwe, firstly to ascertain the identities of those who are in the mortuary.”

He added, “So far, two have been positively identified by their relatives.

The government of Zimbabwe will start facilitation of the repatriation, all the costs towards the repatriation of the deceased are going to be met by the government of Zimbabwe.”

The Transport Deputy Minister receiving an update at the Louis Trichardt Hospital regarding the patients who were admitted yesterday due to the N1 bus accident in Limpopo.#ArriveAlive #roadsaftey #SaferRoads pic.twitter.com/xJ2f77MrAe

— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) August 29, 2024

Meanwhile, Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba has expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

“We are saddened by this tragic loss of life. Each death is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of road safety,” she said.

“We urge drivers to abide by traffic rules and remain vigilant at all times to avoid such accidents. We cannot afford to lose lives in this manner, especially when such incidents are preventable.

“We commend the swift response by Team Limpopo, including EMS, SAPS, forensic pathology services and traffic police who worked throughout the night.”

While the final report on the crash is still pending, preliminary investigations suggest the driver was new on the job and unfamiliar with the terrain.