Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Beitbridge Border Post and the entire border town yesterday as the Government successfully repatriated the remains of 11 Zimbabweans who perished in a bus accident in South Africa’s Free State Province last week.
Scores of residents, relatives and Government agencies gathered for a mass memorial service at Doves Funeral Services in Beitbridge.
Some relatives wept openly while others sat with pale faces of grief, clutching pictures of their loved ones.
The Munhenzva bus was travelling from Cape Town to Harare when it went off the road near Trompsburg on 31 July 2026. Ten passengers died at the scene and another later succumbed to injuries at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the tragedy a State of Disaster on August 1 and this paved the way for the Government to mobilise resources for repatriation and support to the bereaved families.
Consul General to South Africa, Johannesburg, Mr Eria Phiri, led the Zimbabwe Embassy team that escorted the bodies from Free State province to Beitbridge.
“We departed at 5 pm on Friday. We received overwhelming support from our host Government,” Mr Phiri said on arrival.
He added that the Government will continue to take care of the medical bills of 13 survivors who are still admitted in South African hospitals.
He said five survivors are at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital and eight at Universitas Academic Hospital.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavhunga, was the Chief Mourner at the memorial service where he delivered a message on behalf of President Mnangagwa.
“It is with profound sorrow that I stand before you today. On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa, the Government of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families on this sad, untimely and tragic loss of your beloved family members,” he said.
“The 11 deceased are not just statistics. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, relatives, friends and our neighbours from Buhera, Bikita, Wedza, Zvishavane, Beatrice and Shurugwi,” he said.
The deceased include Grace Machingura, Michelyn Tinekutenda Makunura, Mashura Phillip, Mashura Shyln Merlin, Madhoro Nyaradzo, Mutero Ellis, Mukuwe Vallary, Mukuwe Angel Vanissa, Mukuwe Star, Sheilla Gondo and Praise Anyway Rukombo.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga said the Government had facilitated the repatriation of the 11 relatives so they could be laid to rest among their families and communities.
He said State assistance had also been extended towards funeral and burial arrangements, and grocery support was provided to the bereaved families.
“As we prepare to commemorate our Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays, let this tragic loss serve as a solemn reminder to us all that every life matters,” he said.
“No destination is worth a human life. Drivers must exercise patience, avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking and reckless driving and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.
“To the families who have lost loved ones, no words can fully ease your pain. However, we pray that God grants you strength, courage and comfort in the days ahead. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. Lalani ngoxolo. Zororai murugare.”
The Deputy Minister also urged motorists to exercise caution on regional routes, especially during the holiday period, as many Zimbabweans travel home.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Albert Nguluvhe, who was represented by the Director of HR and Administration in his office, extended condolences to the families and to Zimbabwe.
He thanked the Government and President Mnangagwa for extending assistance to the grieving families.
A representative of the grieving families, Mrs Precious Gondo, appreciated the Government and the Zimbabwe Consulate in South Africa for the support they received during a difficult time.
Munhenzva Bus Service extended US$400 and transport for mourners to each grieving family.
Doves Funeral Services chief executive officer, Mr Farai Matsika, also travelled to Beitbridge to witness the repatriation and offer support.
