Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
RELATIVES of the six children who perished in last month’s horrific bus crash in Makhado, South Africa, have finally found closure after DNA tests positively identified the remains of the minors.
A convoy of six hearses, carrying the remains of the children, crossed the Beitbridge Border Post late last night, marking a solemn and poignant moment for the community. The six children were among 36 Zimbabwean nationals killed in the fatal crash.
They were escorted by Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to South Africa, Mr Eria Phiri, and embassy staff, and were received by members of the local civil protection committee and the Beitbridge community, led by District Development Co-ordinator, Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu.
A memorial service was held at the local Doves Funeral Services parlour, where families also received food hampers from the Government to assist with burial arrangements.
The bodies were finally brought home exactly 39 days after the tragic accident aboard the DNC bus travelling from Port Elizabeth to Zimbabwe, carrying Malawians and Zimbabweans.
44 people, including 36 Zimbabweans and eight Malawians, died when the driver lost control of the bus, which plunged into a ravine about 100km from the Beitbridge Border Post on October 12, just outside Makhado Town in Limpopo Province.
The Consul-General said the repatriation followed the completion of DNA tests required to positively identify the minors. Thirty adult victims of the same crash were repatriated a fortnight ago.
“Working with the host Government and its agencies, and with the Zimbabwean Government covering the related expenses, we have successfully completed the repatriation of the six children who were positively identified through DNA.
“This was further confirmed through physical identification by their families at Siloam Hospital on Monday,” said Mr Phiri.
He added that paperwork was finalised on Tuesday, paving the way for the convoy to depart South Africa for Zimbabwe yesterday.
“This was an onerous and strenuous process for the relatives. However, we have been able to conclude the necessary procedures, and we share the grief as Zimbabweans,” said Mr Phiri.
“We had to conduct DNA tests because the minors were not registered in our Central Registry systems, so we had to be thorough to ensure families bury the correct bodies. At the same time, I want to thank everyone who supported Zimbabwe during this dark moment.”
He also revealed that four Zimbabweans injured in the crash remain hospitalised in Limpopo but are recovering well.
Adult victims were identified through photographs, fingerprints and physical confirmation, but for the young children, DNA testing was essential to avoid any errors.
Beitbridge District Civil Protection Committee chairperson Mrs Mafu extended condolences to the families on behalf of the Government and handed over food hampers and other State assistance to the grieving families.
She said two bodies were destined for Bikita, one for Rusape, one for Mt Darwin, one for Mberengwa and another for Gokwe.
“Finally, we can find peace and closure as we are now able to lay my son to rest. I appreciate the assistance from the South African and Zimbabwean Governments throughout this process. It is never easy to lose a son,” said a devastated Mr Aleck Chiwetu from Rusape
Ms Adema Muposwa from Bikita said her family had endured a painful month waiting to bury her niece, Nicole Hunana (5).
“Our Government stood with us; we feel greatly honoured. The wait is over. This is a painful loss for us as a family, but today we can put this chapter behind us. If it were not for Government assistance, this process could have taken much longer,” said Miss Tsitsi Nyahora, who was accompanying her deceased niece, Talida Nyahora (3).
The Government is covering the full repatriation costs for all victims, including medical bills for the injured, as families brace for yet another wave of heart-breaking funerals across the country.
Bongani Ndlovu