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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The death toll of Zimbabweans killed in a road accident when a Simlex cross border bus collided with a haulage truck on Saturday has risen from 13 to 15 after two more people who were hospitalised succumbed to the wounds on Tuesday.
In addition, through engagements by the Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation (ZPTO), the bus operator, Simlex company has released US$15 000 to help in the repatriation of the remains of the accident victims.
ZPTO chairman, Dr Samson Nhanhanga said they had also dispatched a team that was working with the Zimbabwe embassy staff and the South African officials in providing the necessary support to the grieving families and the injured.
“On Monday, through the association, Simlex company released US$15 000 to help in the repatriation of 15 bodies. Unfortunately, the death toll has risen to 15”, said Dr Nhanhanga.
“We have a team that is working hand in glove with Zimbabwe embassy staff as well as South African officials to make sure the bodies are repatriated.
“Yesterday (Monday) some passengers who were in hospital were discharged after receiving medical attention with the few still getting full care. As an association, we will also continue to update Zimbabweans on any further development.”
The country’s Consulate in Cape Town has already sent a team to the accident site to ascertain the circumstances around the accident and offer consular services.
Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to Cape Town Ms Esther Mudambo said on Monday that further information on the accident will be made available at a later stage.
Tragedy struck when the Simlex bus company coach collided with a commercial truck that was going in the opposite direction, 140km before Cape Town along the Hex River Pass.
The bus was travelling from Harare to Cape Town.
The area around the Hex River Pass is reportedly too winding and the driver reportedly jumped out of the bus during the collision, but unfortunately he also died.
Online Reporter