Zim GBC News | South African Correspondent
JOHANNESBURG – In a devastating update from South African authorities, all 43 victims of Sunday’s horrific bus crash near Makhado in Limpopo province have been confirmed as Zimbabwean nationals. The death toll includes 18 women, 18 men, and seven children.
The DNC bus, traveling from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) to Harare, was scheduled to continue to Malawi when it overturned on the N1 freeway near Ingwe Lodge on Sunday afternoon.
Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye expressed her condolences to the affected nations. “Let me pass my condolences to the two countries that have lost loved ones — Zimbabwe and Malawi,” Mathye told Newzroom Afrika.
“We have reported 38 injuries; these are the people who are currently in the hospital. They were originally 39, but a 10-month-old baby passed away after being referred to the hospital.”
Mathye confirmed that initial reports indicated 40 fatalities at the scene, with the number later rising to 43.
“There was no other vehicle involved. I am sure the bus lost control. I do not know what caused it — it could be driver fatigue or a mechanical fault,” she added, noting that a final investigation report would determine the exact cause.
Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, Beitbridge District Development Coordinator Sikhangezile Mafu confirmed that the government had activated protocols for state-assisted funerals.
“At the moment, we are waiting for communication from both the Embassy in South Africa and our head office in Harare. But we have already activated all protocols and have informed the usual funeral parlour to be ready. We have asked them to mobilise their resources,” Mafu stated.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also extended his sympathies, describing the incident as “a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike.”
He emphasized the importance of road safety during the country’s annual Transport Month, stating,
“We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers, and passengers to ensure that we stay safe.”
The N1 freeway remained closed for several hours following the accident as emergency services cleared the wreckage and conducted investigations into one of the deadliest road accidents involving Zimbabwean nationals in recent history.
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