derick.khumalo
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The bodies of 11 Zimbabweans who died in a road accident in South Africa’s Free State province last week arrived in the country on Saturday morning via Beitbridge Border Post.
The remains were escorted from Johannesburg by Zimbabwe Embassy staff led by Consul General to South Africa, Mr Eria Phiri.
The group was travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe in a Munhenzva Bus when the coach went off the road near Trompsburg at around 5 pm on July 31.
President Mnangagwa has already declared a State of Disaster, invoking emergency powers to mobilise government resources for repatriation and to support survivors.
Of the 11 deceased, Mr Phiri said: “We have identified one male adult, five female adults, three female minors and two male minors.”
The Government of Zimbabwe is facilitating the repatriations.
Meanwhile, a send-off memorial service has been arranged at Doves Funeral Services in Beitbridge. The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, will attend as Chief Mourner, together with the Chief Director of Civil Protection and other government officials.
At least 66 people survived the crash with varying injuries. Thirteen are still in hospital — five at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital and eight at Universitas Academic Hospital.
The names of the victims will be released at a later stage.
