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Funeral industry

29 Zimbabweans Repatriated After Horrific Bus Accident in South Africa

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Grief and emotion gripped the Beitbridge Border Post yesterday as the bodies of 29 Zimbabweans who died in a recent horrific bus accident in the Makhado area of South Africa arrived home by road for burial by families in different destinations. The accident occurred on October 12, 2025, when the DNC bus traveling from Port Elizabeth plunged into a cliff after the driver lost control along the N1 highway outside Makhado town, resulting in the deaths of 36 Zimbabweans and eight Malawians. The Government is footing all the repatriation and medical costs for the victims of the horrific crash.

Key Takeaways:

  • The accident occurred on October 12, 2025, and resulted in the deaths of 36 Zimbabweans and eight Malawians.
  • The bodies of 29 Zimbabweans were repatriated and received by Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, and Beitbridge West legislator Thusani Ndou.
  • The Government is paying all the costs associated with medical bills, accommodation, and repatriation of the accident victims from South Africa.
  • DNA tests are still to be concluded for six minors, and 12 others who were injured remain in various hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa.
  • The Government is extending State assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured.
  • The Minister called for tough action against truant drivers of public service vehicles to reduce the continued road carnage that is costing the lives of many Zimbabweans.
  • The Limpopo provincial government spokesperson, Mr. Ndavhe Rammakuela, stated that they had concluded the process leading to the repatriation of 29 Zimbabweans, and the provincial government is working with the Malawi government to finalise their list of eight bodies that would still need to be repatriated.
  • All the stakeholders involved in handling the accident and the repatriation processes received commendation from the Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.

Statistics:

  • 36 Zimbabweans and 8 Malawians died in the bus accident on October 12, 2025.
  • 29 Zimbabweans were repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial by their families.
  • 6 minors are still undergoing DNA testing to confirm their identities.
  • 12 others who were injured remain in various hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa.
  • The Government is footing all the costs associated with medical bills, accommodation, and repatriation of the accident victims from South Africa.

Sources:

  • Daniel Garwe, Local Government and Public Works Minister, and Beitbridge West legislator Thusani Ndou, quoted in "Grief grips Beitbridge as 29 Zimbabweans repatriated after bus accident in SA".
  • Chief Director in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Nathan Nkomo, quoted in "DNA testing to take time before repatriation of minors".
  • Limpopo provincial government spokesperson, Mr. Ndavhe Rammakuela, quoted in "Repatriation of 29 Zimbabweans from SA accident concluded".
  • Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, quoted in "Premier commends stakeholders for good collaboration during accident and repatriation processes".

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