Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in Makhado, South Africa
LIMPOPO Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, is set to lead a South African delegation to meet and offer compassionate support to the families of the Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident that claimed 43 lives in Makhado last Sunday.
To date, the Zimbabwean and Malawian embassies have identified 33 and eight of their nationals respectively among the deceased. The accident occurred when a DNC bus plunged into a ravine after the driver reportedly lost control near Ingwe Lodge along the N1 Highway.
The bus was travelling from Port Elizabeth, carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian passengers who were scheduled to connect with another bus to continue their journeys.
In a statement issued yesterday, Limpopo Provincial Government spokesperson Mr Ndavhe Ramakuela confirmed that the physical identification of all 43 bodies would commence today at Siloam Hospital.
“The Limpopo Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Embassies of Zimbabwe and Malawi, will on Monday, 20 October 2025, meet with families and relatives of the victims of the tragic bus accident that occurred on the N1 near Louis Trichardt.
“The purpose of the meeting is to support families during the physical identification of their loved ones. This marks the next phase in the identification process, following the completion of post-mortem examinations conducted by the Forensic Pathology Services,” he said.
Mr Ramakuela added that the South African Police Service (SAPS) Victim Identification Centre had begun scientific identification procedures, including DNA analysis and fingerprint matching, in partnership with Zimbabwean and Malawian authorities.
He also noted that the Limpopo Provincial Government continues to provide psychosocial support services to affected families, including trauma counselling through the Department of Social Development. Logistical arrangements are being co-ordinated by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued a statement indicating that the bus involved in the accident was not roadworthy, was overloaded beyond its permit allowance, and was speeding while descending the mountainous terrain.
“We welcome the commitment by Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, to take firm action against the bus company and to ensure that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and act swiftly against those who violate road safety regulations,” said Mr Ramakuela.
“We appreciate the progress made thus far and extend our sincere gratitude to the team that has been working tirelessly to expedite the repatriation process,” added Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
A senior official at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg, Mr Chengetai Murahwa, said the identification process was being conducted in three phases: photographic, physical, fingerprint verification, and DNA testing, particularly for the seven minors involved.
He confirmed that repatriation documents would be processed once the identification process was complete. Mr Murahwa also reported that 14 Zimbabweans remain hospitalised in various facilities across Limpopo Province, and that well-wishers have donated food hampers to those admitted at Elim Hospital.
Malawi High Commission’s First Secretary, Ms Justina Botomani, stated that eight Malawian nationals had been identified among the deceased — six men, one woman, and one minor (a boy).
“With support from our host country, stakeholders, and relatives, we have identified eight of our nationals among the deceased. We have also arranged transport for the eight others who have been discharged from various hospitals. Currently, we have seven people still hospitalised and await the commencement of the physical identification process from Monday.
“As the Malawi High Commission, we have issued travel documents to our nationals, most of whom lost theirs during the tragic accident. Additionally, we have provided them with financial assistance for their journey back to Malawi,” she said.
