Limpopo completes first phase of repatriation for 29 Zimbabweans killed in N1 bus crash

The Limpopo provincial government has concluded the first phase of the repatriation process for 29 Zimbabwean nationals who died in the tragic N1 bus accident near Louis Trichardt earlier this month.

Provincial spokespersons confirmed that the remains were being transported to Zimbabwe on Friday after all identification procedures were completed. The accident, which occurred on 12 October, claimed 43 lives when a bus travelling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe veered off the Zoutpansberg mountain with 91 passengers on board.

Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba joined grieving families on Monday, 20 October, as they identified their loved ones. She commended the cooperation between South African and Zimbabwean authorities during the process.

“We want to thank all teams from both the provincial and national governments that were involved in making this process bearable, helping the two countries in identifying their next of kin,” said Ramathuba.

“Our appreciation also goes to the two embassies for their full cooperation during this difficult period. This will allow families to have closure as they now have an opportunity to bury their loved ones.”

While 29 bodies have been repatriated, Ramathuba said seven children still require specialised DNA testing for identification. The province is also working with Malawian authorities to finalise the repatriation of eight other victims.

“We acknowledge the efforts of all teams who played a crucial role in facilitating this process, enabling identification and coordination between the two countries,” Ramathuba said.

Meanwhile, Operation Dudula criticised Road Accident Fund (RAF) spokesperson McIntosh Polela for suggesting that undocumented immigrants might qualify for compensation, calling the statement “unacceptable, unconstitutional, and an insult to South African taxpayers.”

Authorities continue to assist affected families as investigations into the cause of the crash proceed.