derick.khumalo
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE bodies of 11 Zimbabweans who died in a road accident in South Africa’s Free State Province last week are expected to arrive in the country on Saturday morning through the Beitbridge Border Post.
The victims were travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe aboard a Munhenzva Transport Services bus when the vehicle was involved in a fatal crash near Trompsburg at around 5pm on July 31.
President Mnangagwa has since declared the disaster a State of Disaster, invoking emergency powers to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and provide support to survivors and their families.
The crash claimed 11 Zimbabwean lives while at least 66 other passengers survived with varying degrees of injuries and were admitted to medical facilities in South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s Consul General to South Africa, Mr Eria Phiri, confirmed on Friday that all logistical arrangements for the repatriation had been completed.
“All logistics are now in order, and we are ready to depart at 5pm (Friday). The remains will arrive in Zimbabwe via Beitbridge on Saturday morning,” said Mr Phiri.
He said the deceased comprised one adult male, five adult females, three female minors and two male minors.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is facilitating the repatriations. We are grateful for the support from our host government,” he said.
Mr Phiri added that 13 survivors remained hospitalised, with five admitted at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital and eight at Universitas Academic Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Local Civil Protection Committee has announced that a memorial and send-off service for the deceased will be held at Doves Funeral Services in Beitbridge.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe is expected to attend the service as Chief Mourner, accompanied by the Chief Director of Civil Protection and other Government officials.
Authorities said the names of the deceased would be released at a later stage after all necessary processes had been completed.
The Government has urged motorists to exercise caution on regional highways, particularly during cross-border travel, as many Zimbabweans continue to travel between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter