Zimbabwe to Repatriate Victims and Cover Hospital Bills After Limpopo Bus Tragedy

Zimbabwe Pledges Support After Deadly Limpopo Bus Crash

The nation mourns as the death toll from the DNC Coaches bus disaster near Makhado in Limpopo rises to 43, with dozens more injured. The tragedy, which occurred on the busy N1 highway late Sunday, has sparked grief and outrage across Southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe and Malawi, home to most of the passengers.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed swift government action, promising to cover hospital bills for the injured and coordinate the repatriation of deceased citizens. In a message of condolence, he expressed solidarity with bereaved families and communities impacted by the tragedy.

“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved commuters here in Zimbabwe and other SADC countries so affected,” Mnangagwa said.

The scene of the bus crash that claimed the lives of 42 people has been cleared outside Louis Trichardt in Limpopo. The N1 road was closed following the bus crash last night. Several critically injured passengers have been taken to hospital. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/OtBV5UGJUO

Michael Makungo (@MichaelMakungo) October 13, 2025

The Tragedy Unfolded: Overcrowding and Speed

Preliminary reports from South African authorities reveal that the 61-seater DNC Coaches bus was carrying roughly 91 passengers, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, en route from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Harare. Witnesses and investigators allege the bus was speeding when it veered off the road and tumbled down an embankment, leaving chaos and heartbreak in its wake.

The incident has raised questions about long-distance bus safety and how the vehicle managed to pass through multiple police checkpoints between the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, despite being dangerously overloaded. South African authorities have launched a full investigation to determine lapses in oversight and regulatory enforcement.

Mnangagwa Declares State of Disaster

In response to the catastrophe, Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster in Zimbabwe and directed government agencies to provide urgent support to affected families. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, through the Department of Civil Protection, is tasked with arranging state-assisted burials and settling medical bills for injured victims.

Immediate logistical support has also been mobilized to assist families traveling to Polokwane for identification of the deceased. Zimbabwe’s Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, urged relatives to come forward and help with the identification process, highlighting the importance of speed and coordination during this difficult time.

Public Reaction and Regional Context

Social media across Southern Africa has been flooded with messages of grief and outrage. Many Zimbabweans have called for stricter regulation of cross-border transport, citing repeated incidents involving overloaded buses. One Twitter user remarked, “Another bus disaster? When will authorities take road safety seriously? Families are paying the ultimate price.”

The tragedy underscores the risks faced by migrant workers and travellers navigating long-haul routes between South Africa and neighbouring countries. It also shines a light on the broader challenge of ensuring accountability among transport operators in the region.

Coordinated Efforts Across Borders

Both South African and Zimbabwean governments are working closely to repatriate the deceased and assist the injured, reflecting the urgency of cross-border cooperation during crises. While investigations continue, families are relying on the governments’ promises to ensure dignity, medical care, and support during the aftermath.

As the communities in Limpopo, Zimbabwe, and Malawi mourn, the disaster serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for road safety enforcement, public awareness, and regulatory vigilance on Southern Africa’s highways.

{Source: IOL}

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