Story by John Nhandara
A sombre atmosphere gripped a Harare funeral parlour this Sunday as government officials, diplomats and bereaved families gathered for the repatriation ceremony of Malawian nationals killed in last week’s bus crash along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway.
The victims died when a bus travelling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Malawi overturned near Suswe Business Centre on May 5.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe said the Government of Zimbabwe would ensure the deceased are accorded a dignified send-off and safely returned to Malawi.
“We express our condolences. We mourn with our brothers and sisters from Malawi as we gather for the repatriation of our dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives,” he said.
Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Retired General Peter Namathanga commended the Zimbabwean government for its swift response following the tragedy.
“We express gratitude to the President of Zimbabwe for the tremendous support from the moment the accident occurred. This reflects true African solidarity and humanity. We continue to pray for the injured and wish them a speedy recovery,” he said.
The Zimbabwean government declared the accident a state of disaster, enabling authorities to mobilise resources for emergency assistance, medical support and the repatriation process.
