Mnangagwa Pledges State Aid After Limpopo Bus Crash Kills 42 In South Africa

Mnangagwa Mourns Victims Of Tragic Limpopo Bus Disaster, Promises State Support

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed shock and grief following the fatal bus crash in Limpopo, South Africa, that claimed at least 42 lives on Sunday, 12 October 2025. The accident involved a DNC Coaches bus travelling from Gqeberha to Harare and Malawi. Zimbabwean citizens were among the dead.

Mnangagwa’s Message Of Condolence

In an official statement issued on 13 October 2025, President Mnangagwa described the accident 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.”

He went on to stress the need 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 also confirmed that government support will be extended to 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 brought some relief to families waiting for the return of their loved ones.

Ramaphosa Also Sends Condolences

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also issued a statement on 13 October 2025, mourning the victims and offering solidarity to Zimbabwe and Malawi.

He said:

“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.”

Ramaphosa 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 ongoing. The N1 near Ingwe Lodge remained closed for several hours on 12 October 2025 while emergency services cleared the wreckage.

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