Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
GRIEF has turned into fresh agony for families of the 44 victims who perished in the horrific Makhado bus crash in South Africa, as they struggle to recover missing cash, phones, and valuables from the accident scene.
The tragedy struck on 12 October 2025. The bus travelling from Port Elizabeth to Harare overturned, killing 44 passengers; 36 Zimbabweans and 8 Malawians.
After days of grim identification at hospitals and mortuaries, relatives say they are now facing another nightmare, trying to trace the belongings of their loved ones that mysteriously vanished after the crash.
“We’re not just grieving, we’re fighting to recover what was taken from the scene,” said Cynthia Razawo, one of the distraught relatives. “We were told money from the wallets was secured in evidence kits, but now it’s gone. All we got back was one dress, an empty wallet, and a hymn book.”
Another man said the situation at Makhado Police Station was chaotic.
“The clothes are dumped in piles — men’s on one side, women’s on the other. You can’t even tell which belongs to who,” he said.
Pauline Mhlolo revealed that her sister, who died in the crash, was carrying R15 000. “I’m the one who packed R10 000 with her in a plastic bag inside her handbag,” she said. “When we identified her, she still had the handbag. Now both the bag and the money are gone.”
Nomore Dumbu said his late nephew’s bag, which contained his wallet and passport, has also disappeared.
Most families now suspect theft and are pleading with authorities to help them recover what’s left.
By late yesterday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) had not yet responded to the complaints.
However, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba urged families to remain patient and report missing belongings through official channels.
“When accidents happen, EMS first saves lives, then the police secure the scene,” said Dr Ramathuba. “Only SAPS is authorised to handle belongings, so families must approach them for assistance.”
For many, though, the unanswered questions and missing memories are adding salt to deep wounds, as grief turns into frustration at a time they should be finding closure.
derick.khumalo