Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE bodies of 11 Zimbabweans who died in a road traffic accident in South Africa’s Free State province last week arrived in the country on Saturday morning via Beitbridge Border Post.
The remains were escorted from Johannesburg by Zimbabwe Embassy staff, led by the Consul-General to South Africa, Mr Eria Phiri.
The group was travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe in a Munhenzva Bus when the coach veered off the road near Trompsburg, at around 5 pm, on July 31.
President Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster, invoking emergency powers to mobilise Government resources to facilitate repatriation and support survivors.
Of the 11 deceased, Mr Phiri said: “We have identified one male adult, five female adults, three female minors and two male minors.”
Meanwhile, a send-off memorial service has been arranged at Doves Funeral Services in Beitbridge.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe is expected to attend, together with other senior Government officials.
At least 66 people survived the crash.
Thirteen are still in hospital — five at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital and eight at Universitas Academic Hospital.
The names of the victims will be released in due course.
