Zim GBC News | South African Correspondent
MAKHADO, South Africa – Scores of Zimbabweans are feared dead after a cross-border bus traveling from Gauteng to Zimbabwe plunged into a deep ditch along the N1 outside Makhado town in Limpopo province early Thursday morning.
The horrific accident occurred near Ingwe Lodge, at the exact same stretch of road where 43 people, including 36 Zimbabweans, lost their lives in a similar crash in October 2025.
According to Limpopo’s Department of Transport and Community Safety, the bus remains trapped down the cliff, with rescue workers still on the scene. The road has been closed in both directions, and motorists are being advised to use the R523 Nzhelele Road as an alternative route.
Limpopo’s MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms. Violet Mathye, is expected to arrive at the scene later on Thursday morning to assess the situation.
In a statement, the department confirmed the severity of the incident but noted that casualty figures are still unclear.
“A bus carrying passengers lost control and fell into a ditch in the area,” the department said.
“At this stage, the exact cause of the accident remains unknown. However, it is clear that there are multiple fatalities and injuries. A competent authority will confirm the numbers in due course.”
The department added a grim detail regarding the recovery efforts.
“The vehicle remains in the ditch, making it difficult to determine the exact number of occupants at the time of the incident.”
It has not yet been confirmed whether all passengers on board were destined for Zimbabwe.
Updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
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