Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
GOVERNMENT through its Embassy in South Africa is finalising preliminary processes pending the repatriation of the remains of 10 Zimbabweans who were killed in a road accident in Makhado town on Tuesday night.
The victims were killed when a Mzansi Express bus overturned on its way from Bulawayo to Johannesburg along the N1 highway.
The bus had 67 passengers on board. Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Johannesburg, Mr Eria Phiri, said they had identified all 10 deceased persons and their next of kin. “We will share more information at a later stage,” he said.
Among other things, the embassy is expected to offer consular services, collaborate with the host Government in ensuring a smooth repatriation process for the accident victims for burial in the country.
According to the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo Province, the bus drove over a roundabout, the last traffic circle from Makhado towards Polokwane, at high speed, lost control and overturned, killing and injuring its passengers in the process.
The department said the accident scene had since been cleared and that several injured passengers had been taken to different hospitals.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, was expected to visit the accident scene yesterday morning where he intends to also brief the media about the Transport Department’s intervention plan in response to the accident.
“As Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF) we are deeply saddened to learn of the unfortunate accident. We take the view that public transporters should ensure that all their drivers are well rested, refreshed and familiar with the roads they operate,” said Zimbabwe Exiles Forum director Advocate Gabriel Shumba.
“Too often, we see that some of these basic tenets of road use are sometimes overlooked, although we are not saying this was the case in this instance. Obviously, once investigations are complete, we will have more knowledge of what actually transpired.
“Our condolences are with the bereaved families and we advise that they seek the necessary legal support to claim compensation for loss of support.”
The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa (ZimCommunitySA) also sent its condolences to the relatives of the departed and wished those in hospital speedy recovery.
The organisation called upon all bus operators and drivers to take extreme caution and prioritise the safety and well-being of their passengers at all times.
“It is crucial that operators implement all necessary safety measures, maintain their vehicles in top condition and ensure that their drivers are well-rested and equipped to handle long journeys with care,” it said.
“We also urge passengers to exercise their right to demand respectful and safe treatment from drivers and operators. Your safety is paramount and it is your right to expect courteous and professional service throughout your journey.”
This incident is not isolated as numerous complaints about operator negligence have been lodged in the past, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and service excellence in the transportation sector, said ZimCommunitySA.
It appealed for swift assistance and support for the survivors and the families who have lost their loved ones.
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