By Thabisani Dube
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the Munhenzva Transport Services bus accident in South Africa that claimed the lives of 11 Zimbabweans, paving the way for Government to mobilise resources to repatriate the deceased, assist survivors and support affected families.
The declaration, made in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], was announced on Saturday by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
The Munhenzva Transport Services bus, which was travelling from Cape Town to Harare, was involved in a road traffic accident in Trompsburg, Free State Province, on July 31.
As of August 1, the accident had claimed the lives of 11 Zimbabwean nationals, comprising one adult male, five adult females and five minors. Several other passengers sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment at Pelonomi and Universitas hospitals in Bloemfontein.
Garwe said the declaration of a State of Disaster would enable Government to coordinate a comprehensive response to the tragedy.
“The declaration of a State of Disaster enables Government to mobilise the necessary resources and coordinate interventions in support of the affected families. This includes facilitating the repatriation of the deceased, assisting survivors, and providing appropriate humanitarian assistance to all those impacted by this tragic incident,” he said.
President Mnangagwa conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and extended his sympathies to all those who lost loved ones, while wishing the injured a swift and full recovery.
Government also commended South African authorities, emergency services, healthcare personnel and officials from Zimbabwe’s Embassy and Consulate in South Africa for their prompt response and continued support to the victims and their families.
Garwe said the Civil Protection Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa and other relevant stakeholders, had been directed to coordinate all necessary interventions, including the repatriation of the deceased and assistance to injured survivors. Government said it would continue to keep the nation informed as further verified information becomes available.
