Mnangagwa Orders State Assistance For Zimbabweans Killed In Limpopo Bus Accident

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following the fatal bus accident in Limpopo Province, South Africa, on Sunday, 12 October 2025, which claimed at least 40 lives.

He has directed the Zimbabwean government to cover the costs of repatriation, burial, and medical care for Zimbabwean victims.

In a statement issued on Monday, 13 October, President Mnangagwa said he was shocked and deeply grieved by the loss of lives, which included Zimbabwean citizens among other nationalities.

He described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the need for greater diligence in cross-border transport safety. He said:

“It is with a deep sense of shock and grief that I learnt of the fatal road accident which claimed at least 40 people, who are drawn from different nationalities, including Zimbabwean citizens.

“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. Life remains precious whenever it is lost and in whatever country.”

The President thanked the South African government for its swift response to the accident and for ensuring that the deceased and injured were promptly taken to the hospital. He said:

“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, and for our respective Governments to harmonise our legislations in respect of vehicular traffic.

“We appreciate and commend the support and cooperation of the Government of the Republic of South Africa in response to this tragic incident.”

Mnangagwa also announced that the Government of Zimbabwe will provide state assistance to facilitate the repatriation and burial of Zimbabwean victims, while covering medical expenses for those injured in the accident. He said:

“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.

“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.

“In respect of the injured, the Government will meet all hospital bills.”

The Limpopo crash, which occurred along the N1 near Makhado, involved a DNC Coaches bus travelling from Gqeberha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape to Harare and Malawi.

The accident claimed the lives of 18 adult women, 17 adult men, and seven children, while dozens more were injured.