By Dumisani Ndlovu
A heartbreaking bus accident near Makhado, South Africa, has claimed the lives of 10 innocent Zimbabweans, leaving families and loved ones in shock and grief.
The victims, five men and five women, were traveling on a Johannesburg-bound Mzansi Express coach when it overturned after failing to negotiate a roundabout.
According to officials, the accident was caused by human error, with the bus driver reportedly being new to the job and unfamiliar with the surroundings. The scene is a harrowing reminder of the risks and dangers faced by travelers on our roads.
“The bus was en-route to Johannesburg from Zimbabwe, when the accident happened just before midnight, on the evening of Tuesday, 27 August 2024,” said the Transport and Community Department in a statement.
“Limpopo Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye, has learned with sadness about the deaths of 10 passengers, who perished in a bus accident that took place at 3 Miles, on the N1 around Makhado,” said the Transport and Community Department.
“The bus drove over a round-about (the last traffic circle from Makhado towards Polokwane) at high speed, lost control and overturned, killing and injuring its passengers in the process,” said Phuti Lekganyane, from the Transport and Community Department.
“We are currently co-operating with law enforcement agents as they attend to the matter. Next of kin members will be notified when all passengers’ individual identification has been finalised. We kindly ask for patience as law enforcement and health agents work on treating and identifying all the deceased and injured,” said a statement from Mzansi Express.
