Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
RENOWNED funeral and repatriation services provider Zororo-Phumulani has stepped in to oversee the repatriation and funeral arrangements for the Masunda-Shoperai family, following a devastating double tragedy on the N1 highway near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa that claimed three lives.
The tragic chain of events has sparked widespread mourning across both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
On May 9, 2026, Paul Masunda (44) was fatally struck by a light motor vehicle while crossing the N1 highway near an informal bus stop frequently used by travellers heading north. Moments later, after learning of her husband’s death, Beauty Shoperai (37) alighted from a nearby bus.
Carrying their two-year-old son, Paul Masunda Jr., strapped to her back, she attempted to cross the highway to reach her husband when they were hit by an official state vehicle transporting South African Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
Both Shoperai and the infant succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
In a decisive move to alleviate the compounding trauma faced by the surviving family members, Zororo-Phumulani today announced it would fully manage the highly complex cross-border logistics to ensure the family is laid to rest with dignity in Zimbabwe.
Zororo-Phumulani Chief Eexecutive Officer Oliver Mufudze confirmed that the company moved swiftly to assume operational responsibility for the funeral arrangements, working closely with South African authorities to expedite the necessary paperwork.
“Our hearts are with the Masunda-Shoperai family during this profoundly painful time,” said Mr Mufudze.
“At Zororo-Phumulani, we believe no family should have to navigate grief alone, especially when faced with the painful and complicated process of bringing loved ones home. It is an honour for us to support the family in ensuring a dignified repatriation and farewell for Beauty, Paul, and their beloved two-year-old son, Paul Junior.”
Mr Mufudze also extended formal appreciation to the Department of Health and its Port Health unit, which oversees cross-border health certifications, for their cooperation and swift interventions in facilitating the process.
“We wish to express our profound gratitude to the Ministry of Health for the compassion, cooperation, and decisive support it has extended to the Masunda-Shoperai family during this heartbreaking period. Their intervention in facilitating the repatriation and funeral arrangements reflects the very best of ubuntu. It is a reminder that in moments of grief, Africans stand together to carry one another through pain,” Mr Mufudze added.
Dr Motsoaledi, who visited the grieving family last week to express his condolences, described the incident as “devastating” and confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is handling the ongoing culpable homicide investigations, as the drivers in both sequential accidents were members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved relatives, Mr Rabson Masunda expressed profound relief and gratitude for the corporate and State backing.
“The family wishes to sincerely thank Zororo-Phumulani for the compassion, generosity, and humanity shown following this tragic accident. Their support with the repatriation process has helped ease the burden on the family during this painful time and will ensure our loved ones receive a dignified farewell in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The official schedule for the final rites has been finalised and is set for Thursday, May 21, 2026, with the burial taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
