Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the premier of the province of Limpopo, paid a visit to the scene this morning of the tragic bus accident that killed forty-two people yesterday, Sunday, October 12, close to Makhado.
The bus, carrying travelers from Zimbabwe and Malawi returning from the Eastern Cape, reportedly lost control on a steep mountain pass and plunged down an embankment.
Tshilivhali Muavha, spokesperson for Ramathuba, said emergency services, including paramedics, traffic officers, and law enforcement, responded immediately.
“Rescue operations continued late into the evening, with several injured passengers transported to nearby hospitals for medical care. Investigations by traffic authorities and the South African Police Service are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash,” he said.
The premier’s office is coordinating with the Departments of Transport and Community Safety, Health, and Disaster Management to provide support. Survivors are receiving psychosocial services, and consular teams from Zimbabwe and Malawi are assisting affected families.
Ramathuba, joined by several MECs, also visited hospitals treating the injured, offering condolences to victims and their families.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, including those in Zimbabwe and Malawi. We wish a full and speedy recovery to all survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” said Ramathuba.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his profound condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
He described the crash as a tragedy for South Africa and its neighboring countries, noting that the sorrow is compounded by its occurrence during Transport Month, a period dedicated to road safety awareness.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike. Our roads are economic networks that bring the people of our region together across borders. We must do everything we can, as road users, operators, drivers, and passengers, to stay safe and share our roads responsibly,” said Ramaphosa, urging all road users to prioritize safety.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) extended condolences to the victims’ families, sending thoughts and prayers and wishing the injured a full recovery.
Marie Helm, DA Provincial Spokesperson for Transport and Community Safety, said the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger road safety measures, increased visibility, and more effective traffic law enforcement, especially during the holiday season.
She also called for investigations into frequent accidents on mountain passes in Limpopo to prevent further loss of life.
“The DA calls for an investigation of accidents on the mountain passes in Limpopo to prevent the frequent accidents which often result in loss of life,” said Helm.
The Star
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