Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has pledged government assistance for families who lost loved ones in the DNC Coaches bus disaster in Limpopo.
The death toll from the crash on the N1 near Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt) has risen to 43, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba confirmed on Tuesday.
Zimbabwean government pledges aid for crash victims
In a message of condolence, Mnangagwa said he has instructed Zimbabwean government agencies to assist with repatriating the remains of citizens who died in the crash and to cover hospital bills for the injured.
“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 affected,” Mnangagwa said.
“I have instructed the relevant government departments and agencies to extend state assistance towards the repatriation and burial of Zimbabweans who perished. Also to cover hospital bills for the injured,” he added.
Limpopo bus crash: Overloaded vehicle sparks investigation
South African authorities said the 61-seater DNC bus was carrying about 91 passengers, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals.
The bus veered off the road and rolled down an embankment on Sunday evening. The bus was allegedly speeding.
Officials have launched an investigation into how the overloaded bus passed through multiple police checkpoints from the Eastern Cape to Limpopo.
Both governments confirmed they are coordinating efforts to repatriate the deceased and assist the injured.
Zimbabwe Declares State of Disaster
State-owned The Herald reported that Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster following the Limpopo crash.
He has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, through the Department of Civil Protection, to provide state-assisted burials and pay medical bills for the injured.
The government has also mobilised immediate logistical support for families. This includes free transportation for next of kin to Polokwane to identify the bodies of their deceased relatives.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, Zimbabwe’s Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe called on relatives of the deceased to come forward and help with the identification process.
