President Ramaphosa expresses condolences after deadly bus crash in Limpopo

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the people of Zimbabwe and Malawi following a tragic bus crash in Limpopo that resulted in the loss of 42 lives.

The victims, primarily Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, were en route from Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape to their home countries when their bus veered off a mountainous stretch of the N1 and plunged down an embankment.

In addition to the fatalities, many others sustained injuries and were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

President Ramaphosa said the tragedy was compounded by the fact that it occurred during Transport Month, a time when South Africa highlights the importance of road safety.

“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 our national borders.

"We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another,” he said.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is scheduled to visit the crash site on Monday to meet with emergency teams and assess response efforts. She and several provincial MECs also visited hospitals where survivors are being treated.

“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,” Ramathuba said.

The provincial government is providing psychosocial support to survivors and working with consular services from Zimbabwe and Malawi to assist families affected by the tragedy. Traffic authorities and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash.

Motorists are advised that the N1 freeway near Ingwe Lodge remains partially restricted, with alternative routes suggested from Makhado to Musina via the Witvlag turnoff and from Musina to Makhado via the Williespoort turnoff.

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Cape Argus