By Rex Mphisa
A joint memorial service for victims of the July 31 Munhenzva Bus Accident that claimed 11 lives in South Africa was held at Beitbridge yesterday.
The deceased who included two families are Grace Machingura, Michelyn Tinekutenda Makunura, Mashura Phillip, Mashura Shyln Merlin, Madhoro Nyaradzo, Mutero Ellis, Mukuwe Vallary, Mukuwe Angel Vanissa, Mukuwe Star, Sheilla Gondo and Praise (Anyway) Rukombo.
A sombre atmosphere engulfed the Doves Funeral Parlour during the memorial service which ignited memories of many similar occasions of victims of bus accidents in both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Minister Of Local Government And Public Consruction Albert Mavhunga said while the Heroes holiday was meant to celebrate those who sacrificed their lives for independence, many accidence occur during the period.
He appealed to bus drivers to preserve the lives of passengers.
“It is with profound sorrow that I stand before you today. On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, the Government of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families on this sad, untimely and tragic loss of your beloved family members,” he said.
“We are gathered here today to bid farewell to eleven (11) beloved souls who lost their lives in the tragic road traffic accident that occurred on 31 July 2026 in Trompsburg, Free State Province, along the N1 Highway,” he said.
He said the ill-fated Munhenzva bus had seventy-eight (78) passengers 10 of whom died at the scene, while one injured passenger later succumbed to injuries at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
“The deceased comprise one (1) adult male, five (5) adult females, and five (5) minors—two boys and three girls. In addition, thirteen (13) passengers sustained injuries. These were not just statistics; they were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, relatives friends and our neighbours from Buhera, Bikita, Wedza, Zvishavane, Beatrice and Shurugwi,” he said.
He said President Mnangagwa declared the accident a state of distance enabling mobilisation of assistance towards funeral and burial arrangements and provided grocery support to the bereaved family during this difficult period.
“As we prepare to commemorate our Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays, let this tragic loss serve as a solemn reminder to us all that every life matters. These national holidays should be a time of celebration, unity and thanksgiving not a time of mourning. I therefore urge all motorists, public transport operators, passengers and pedestrians to play their part in promoting road safety. Drivers must exercise patience, avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking and reckless driving and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey. No destination is worth a human life,” he said.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr. ED Mnangagwa, has consistently called upon Zimbabweans to exercise maximum caution on our roads, reminding the nation that road safety is everyone’s responsibility and that every citizen must play their part in preventing unnecessary loss of life. His message is clear: let us value human life by observing traffic laws and travelling responsibly during this holiday period.”
Mavhunga said the greatest tribute to the memory of those we have lost today is to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.
A survivor of the accident said the bus appeared to have lost its brakes before swinging from side to side and eventually flipping.