Story by ZBC Reporter
FORENSIC examinations have confirmed that 36 of the people who died in a bus accident in South Africa’s Limpopo Province last week were Zimbabwean nationals. Among the deceased are seven children, according to the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria.
Providing an update on the forensic findings and repatriation plans, Charge d’Affaires Mr. Shepard Gwenzi described the crash as a “deeply saddening incident,” extending condolences to the bereaved families.
“All post-mortem examinations have been completed, and physical identification of the deceased has been successfully conducted by next of kin in Limpopo Province. Fingerprint matching was carried out jointly by the South African Police Service and the Zimbabwe Republic Police using national records,” Mr Gwenzi said.
He added that the remains would be handed over to Dow’s Funeral Services on 21 October for embalming, ahead of repatriation to Zimbabwe for burial. The processing of repatriation documents will take place at Salem Hospital, Machuari, with assistance from relatives.
“This tragic accident claimed the lives of 36 Zimbabweans, seven of whom were minors. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the bereaved families. The post-mortem reports have been completed, and all deceased have been positively identified. The Zimbabwe Republic Police assisted the South African authorities in matching fingerprints with national records,” he stated.
The bodies are expected to depart for Zimbabwe once documentation is finalised, potentially as early as Thursday, 23 October 2025.
“Processing of repatriation documents will commence at Salem Hospital, with assistance from next of kin. While the departure date depends on the completion of these processes, we anticipate that batches of identified bodies could depart as early as Thursday, 23 October. Meanwhile, 12 Zimbabwean nationals remain hospitalised in Limpopo Province, receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the accident,” Mr Gwenzi confirmed.
