By Dickson Bandera
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic bus accident in South Africa’s Limpopo Province that claimed at least 40 lives, including Zimbabwean citizens.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, President Mnangagwa described the incident as a “deep shock and grief,” saying the loss of so many lives underscored the urgent need for enhanced road safety and regional cooperation in traffic management across Southern Africa.
“That so many lives were lost in this incident once more urges us to ensure maximum diligence in the movement of our peoples regardless of borders and differences in legislation,” he said. “Life remains precious whenever it is lost and in whatever country.”
The President extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe to the bereaved families in Zimbabwe and other SADC nations affected by the crash.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to families of the bereaved commuters here in Zimbabwe and other SADC countries so affected,” he said.
Mnangagwa commended the Government of South Africa for its swift response and cooperation following the tragedy. He emphasized the need for closer collaboration among SADC member states to harmonize traffic laws and strengthen cross-border road safety enforcement as regional integration deepens.
“In view of increased cross-border movements in our SADC region, facilitated by our collective efforts towards a borderless Community, it has become incumbent for traffic enforcement agencies across jurisdictions to collaborate more closely,” he said.
The President also announced that the Zimbabwean Government would assist in the repatriation and burial of citizens who perished in the crash.
“I have instructed the relevant Government Departments and Agencies in Zimbabwe to extend State Assistance towards the repatriation of the remains of Zimbabweans who perished in the accident, and to extend similar assistance towards their burial,” he said.
He further directed that the Government meet all medical expenses for Zimbabweans injured in the accident.
The fatal bus crash, which occurred in Limpopo Province on Sunday, 12 October 2025, involved passengers of various nationalities travelling across the region. Authorities in both South Africa and Zimbabwe are working closely to identify the victims and provide support to affected families.
