Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa have extended condolences to the families who lost their relatives in a bus accident on Sunday.
The accident claimed 42 people among them Malawians and Zimbabweans in South Africa’s Limpopo province. President Mnangagwa has also directed government departments and agencies to extend State Assistance towards the repatriation of the remains of the accident victims and to extend similar assistance towards burial.
In a statement, President Mnangagwa said he had received the news with shock and grief.
“It is with a deep sense of shock and grief that I learnt of the fatal road accident which claimed 40 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.
“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.
“In view of increased cross-border movement in our Sadc region, facilitated by our collective efforts towards a borderless community, it has become incumbent for traffic enforcement agencies across jurisdictions to collaborate more closely and for our respective Governments to harmonise our legislation in terms of vehicular traffic”.
President Mnangagwa also expressed his appreciation on the support and cooperation by South Africa’s Government in response to the tragic incident.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa offered the his deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased while he wishes the dozens of injured persons a full and speedy recovery,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the incident was a tragedy for South Africa and sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike.
“This sadness is compounded by the fact that this incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, where we place a special focus on the importance of safety on our roads,” he said.
He added:
“Our roads are also economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders.
“We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another.”
Meanwhile, Swaymo Enterprise the company whose bus was being operated by DNC transport has since expressed its condolences to the relatives of the deceased.
The company’s Managing Director, Alec Chikandiwa said that they had also sent a team to Makhado to offer compassionate help to the families and the necessary help to authorities in that country.
“To our valued customers and passengers, we express our deepest condolences to the families of the 42 passengers who tragically lost their lives in the devastating accident involving one of our buses that was being operated by fellow bus operator, DNC, near Makhado town, approximately 100km before Beitbridge Border Post,” he said.
“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. We have since sent a team on the ground to assist the families and authorities during this darkest moment in our lives”.
