Tragic accident claims lives of 13 Zimbabweans in Western Cape, South Africa
In a devastating accident that occurred in Western Cape, South Africa, 13 Zimbabwean nationals lost their lives in a bus collision. The bodies of the deceased have now been repatriated to Zimbabwe via the Beitbridge border post for their final rest in their home country.
Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Johannesburg, Ms Esther Mudambo, confirmed that the 13 bodies departed from Worcester on Sunday evening. It was discovered during the necessary procedures that the initial report of 15 casualties had been adjusted to accurately reflect the tragic toll.
Arriving at Beitbridge around 1 am yesterday, a convoy of three hearses from the Good Hope Funeral Parlour in Johannesburg transported the cortèges. Thanks to the government’s prearranged plans for a seamless passage, the clearance process took less than an hour.
Among the individuals whose bodies were repatriated are Tatenda Batsatsa from Chitungwiza, Sakina Phiri from Sanyati, Albetina Makaza from Mhondoro, Nyaradzo Maringa from Gokwe South, Plot Muchemwa from Bikita, Lisa Mutero from Masvingo, Emanueal Matsidikwa and Stewart Simarungu from Gokwe North, Keila Munyangamira and Abgail Munyangamira from Mutoko, Kiara Hadzivakwi from Gokwe South, Jealous Mariko from Mazowe, and Roy Nherera from Marondera.
Furthermore, through the efforts of the Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation (ZPTO), Simlex Logistics (Private) Limited, the bus operator, contributed US$15,000 towards facilitating the repatriation of the bodies.
The tragic incident unfolded when a coach from the Simlex bus company collided with a commercial truck travelling in the opposite direction, approximately 140 kilometers before reaching Cape Town along the Hex River Pass.
This heart-wrenching accident has left the families and communities of the victims devastated as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. The repatriation of the bodies allows for a proper farewell and funeral arrangements to be conducted in their homeland.
As investigations into the accident continue, authorities and transport organizations are urged to prioritize road safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
