The two presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Cyril Ramaphosa have expressed deep sorrow and shock after a horrific bus crash in Limpopo, South Africa, claimed at least 42 lives on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
The DNC Coaches bus was travelling from Gqeberha to Harare and Malawi when the accident occurred, and among the dead were Zimbabwean citizens.
Mnangagwa’s message of condolence
In a statement issued on 13 October 2025, Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa described the tragedy as devastating.
He said:
“It is with a deep sense of shock and grief that I learnt of the fatal road accident which claimed at least 40 people, who are drawn from different nationalities, including Zimbabwean citizens. That so many lives were lost in this incident once more urges us to ensure maximum diligence in the movement of our peoples regardless of borders and differences in legislation. Life remains precious whenever it is lost and in whatever country.”
Mnangagwa also called for stronger regional cooperation on road safety within the SADC community.
“In view of increased cross-border movements in our SADC region, facilitated by our collective efforts towards a borderless Community, it has become incumbent for traffic enforcement agencies across jurisdictions to collaborate more closely, and for our respective Governments to harmonise our legislations in respect of vehicular traffic,” said the President.
State assistance for victims
Mnangagwa confirmed that the government will assist the affected families.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to families of the bereaved commuters here in Zimbabwe and other SADC countries so affected. I have instructed the relevant Government Departments and Agencies in Zimbabwe to extend State Assistance towards the repatriation of the remains of Zimbabweans who perished in the accident, and to extend similar assistance towards their burial. In respect of the injured, the Government will meet all hospital bills.”
The announcement offered some comfort to grieving families awaiting the return of their loved ones.
Ramaphosa also sends condolences
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also mourned the victims and expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe and Malawi.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike. This sadness is compounded by the fact that this incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, where we place a special focus on the importance of safety on our roads.”
He added:
“Our roads are also 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.”
Investigations into the cause of the accident are still underway. Authorities closed the N1 near Ingwe Lodge for several hours on 12 October 2025 while emergency services cleared the wreckage.
