Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Government has engaged the National University of Science and Technology to conduct DNA tests that are now central to identifying victims of last week’s horrific Toyota Quantum crash, following the discovery of a human skull and additional body parts at the scene.
What began as a routine post-accident clean-up has since evolved into a forensic investigation, with the latest findings raising fears that the death toll could exceed the initially reported 12.
Civil Protection Unit director general, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said the grim discovery was made on Sunday after a family, still searching for a missing relative, joined teams combing through the debris.
“The teams at the crash site discovered a skull and another body part on Sunday.
“This was after a family still missing its relative requested to join in the search, so this means that the figure can actually be higher than the reported 12,” he said.
The discovery has intensified the urgency for scientific identification, with DNA testing now the only reliable method to establish the identities of some of the victims.
Mr Nkomo said authorities are working closely with Nust, which has the capacity to carry out the sophisticated forensic analysis.
“We are liaising with the National University of Science and Technology, which we understand has the necessary equipment to carry out the tests, and the costs will be met in full by the Government through the CPU,” he said.
Beyond the newly recovered remains, DNA tests will also be conducted on three bodies that were burnt beyond recognition in the explosion, underlining the critical role of science in bringing closure to grieving families.
When a news crew visited the crash site along the Bulawayo-Esigodini Road, scenes were heavy with emotion as relatives continued to sift through debris, clinging to hope of finding remains or personal belongings of their loved ones.
One family, still searching for their missing brother, said only confirmation through identification will bring them peace.
“Our brother had a big body and we understand he was wearing black undergarments. We have seen such a garment, but to ascertain if it was his is a bit impossible,” said a family member who declined to be named.
President Mnangagwa declared the accident a state of disaster, as the Government moved to ensure both dignified burials and a full investigation into the tragedy.
A mass funeral service for 12 of the victims was held at Doves Funeral Services in Bulawayo on Sunday. At the same time, authorities have launched investigations to determine how explosives ended up in a public transport vehicle and where they were being transported.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the incident raises troubling questions that demand urgent answers.
“Questions will continue being asked — why were explosives in the car and why were they not identified? Who is selling these explosives? As Government, we must find answers. We are an independent country, we are not at war, so why are such explosives being sold publicly?” he quizzed.
The commuter omnibus was travelling along the Bulawayo-Esigodini Road when tragedy struck at the 16-kilometre peg.
Meanwhile, the road has since been reopened to vehicular traffic after authorities initially sealed off the accident site to allow for thorough investigations.
