ZIMBABWE's embassy in South Africa has released the names of 14 of the 15 Zimbabweans who died in that country in two separate accidents involving Mzansi Express and Tamuka cross-border buses.
Only one deceased awaits identification through Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
Ambassador David Hamadziripi also announced the Government's assumption of remains repatriation and burial costs.
"The Embassy and the Consulate in Johannesburg, wish to update members of the public that the victims of the accident, except one, have been positively identified and their next of kin have been advised accordingly," said Hamadziripi.
"The documentation process which enables their repatriation to Zimbabwe for burial has been finalised. The bodies are expected to be repatriated on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 September, 2024, respectively, with burials at the noted locations in Zimbabwe scheduled for the weekend (7 and 8 September 2024). The repatriation costs have been covered by the Government of Zimbabwe.
He said the Embassy and the Consulate in Johannesburg is still extending assistance and support to victims of the accidents who are still admitted in various hospitals.
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"We will continue to update members of the public on further developments," he said.
The deceased from Mzansi Express accident on August 28 are Margaret Ngwenya (52) of Plumtree, Sithusiwe Moyo (38) from Bulawayo, Sicingeni Nyoni (45) of Lupane, Forgive Ndlovu (31) from Bulawayo, Tshido Dube (38) from Plumtree, Lorenzo Palu (35) from Bulawayo, Andrew Khumalo(51) from Kezi, Boitshepo Makwaiba (52) of Bulawayo, Thulani Maphosa (age not given) of Gwanda and an infant Lwandile Liam Palu (3) from Bulawayo.
Those who died on September 1 aboard Tamuka Coaches bus are Tatenda Mandeya (43) from Harare, Michael Zengeni (41) of Gweru, Noah Kelvin Mupondiwa (34) of Headlands and Tichaona Chigakanje (49) from Mt Darwin.
The one yet to be identified through DNA was also on Tamuka Bus.
The Mzansi bus accident in Louis Tritchard occured when the driver overran a traffic circle resulting in the bus falling on its side while the Tamuka accident was suspected to have been caused by fatigue.