Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called for the harmonisation of road traffic regulations and closer collaboration among Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, to curb the growing number of fatal cross-border road accidents involving public transport.
The call came after a horrific accident claimed 42 lives, including Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, when a bus travelling from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to Harare plunged into an embankment along the N1 Highway outside Makhado in Limpopo Province on Sunday afternoon.
South African authorities said the bus, which was suspected to be overloaded, had 91 passengers on board. The crash resulted in 42 deaths — among them seven children, 17 men and 18 women while 49 people were injured, six critically, 31 seriously and 12 slightly.
In a statement last night, President Mnangagwa said he received the news of the tragedy with shock and grief, and directed Government departments and agencies to assist with the repatriation and burial of the deceased.
“It is with a deep sense of shock and grief that I learnt of the fatal road accident, which claimed 42 people, who are drawn from different nationalities, including Zimbabwean citizens. On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved commuters here in Zimbabwe and other SADC countries so affected,” he said
The President said the tragedy underlines the need for greater diligence and co-operation in ensuring the safety of travellers across borders.
“That so many lives were lost in this accident once more urges us to ensure maximum diligence in the movement of our peoples, regardless of borders and differences in legislation. Life remains precious whenever it is lost and in whatever country,” he said.
President Mnangagwa added that with increased cross-border movement under regional integration efforts, it had become necessary for traffic enforcement agencies and Governments to work together and harmonise legislation governing public transport.
He also expressed appreciation for the support and co-operation of the South African Government in the wake of the tragedy.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr David Hamadziripi, visited the crash site and the injured in Makhado town, alongside Malawi’s Ambassador Ms Stella Chiripo Ndau, South Africa’s Transport Minister Ms Barbara Creecy, her deputy Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa and Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
Ambassador Hamadziripi conveyed condolences on behalf of President Mnangagwa, the Government and Embassy staff.
“We have visited the area and we are saddened by this development where we continue to lose travellers locally and cross borders along the same road and involving public transport,” said Ambassador Hamadziripi.
He said the embassy, through the Consulate in Johannesburg, had deployed a team to provide consular and compassionate services to the affected families.
“We are going to handle the whole repatriation process with support from our host Government at the provincial and national level. So far, we are happy with the co-operation we are getting,” said Amb Hamadziripi.
He said the team had also met the injured passengers and relatives of the deceased to offer comfort and assistance.
“We have not been able to segregate the actual number of Zimbabweans who died because of the mix-up in the passenger manifest, so a team of forensic experts, relatives and our staff is on the ground to identify the bodies. We will communicate once we make progress,” said the ambassador.
“At the same time, we urge public transport operators on cross-border routes to always abide by road rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.”
South Africa’s Transport Minister Ms Creecy and her deputy Mr Hlengwa, have also expressed concern over the recurrence of fatal public transport accidents in the region.
The injured passengers were admitted to Louis Trichardt, Siloam and Elim hospitals.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said they were waiting for official confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa before releasing the identities of the deceased.
“The ZRP is waiting for all the due processes to be conducted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa. The ZRP is therefore ready to offer the necessary assistance in notifying relatives in Zimbabwe once all formalities are finalised,” said the police.
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said they remain committed to collaborating with regional and law enforcement partners to enhance cross-border road safety.
“We will continue to enhance co-ordination to protect the lives of travellers who rely on these routes. May the souls of all those who lost their lives in this tragic accident rest in eternal peace, and may their loved ones find comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Swaymo Enterprises, the company that owns the bus operated by DNC Transport, expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
Managing director Mr Alec Chikandiwa said the company had dispatched a team to Makhado to assist both the families and local authorities.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of those affected. May the memories of your loved ones bring you strength and comfort during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you,” he said.
“We have sent a team on the ground to assist the families and authorities during this darkest moment in our lives.”
