Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi in mourning the 42 people who perished in a horrific bus crash near Makhado on Sunday evening.
The tragedy struck when a bus travelling from Port Elizabeth to Harare veered off the road and plunged into an embankment, killing 42 passengers and injuring 30 others. The ill-fated bus had three crew members on board.
In a heartfelt statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa extended condolences to the bereaved families and the affected nations.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased,” he said. “We also wish the dozens of injured persons a full and speedy recovery.”
He described the crash as a painful tragedy that united three nations in grief.
“This sadness is compounded by the fact that this incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, when we focus on the importance of safety on our roads,” said President Ramaphosa.
He urged road users, transport operators and drivers to be vigilant and responsible.
“Our roads are economic lifelines that connect our region. We must do everything we can to ensure safety and care for one another,” he said.
The wreckage of the bus, which was carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, has since been recovered as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
