By Burnett Munthali

Officials from the Malawi Mission in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) have visited the scene where the tragic Limpopo bus accident occurred.

A statement released on Tuesday confirmed that the visit was led by Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Ndau, alongside South African Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi.

The three officials toured the crash site to assess the situation and monitor the ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

According to reports, 42 people have lost their lives in the accident, including men, women, and children, while 41 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

The statement from the Malawi Mission indicated that officials also visited one of the hospitals where victims are being treated.

“The Mission was able to visit one hospital where one Malawian has been admitted while three have been discharged. We were able to talk to them to narrate their ordeal,” the statement reads in part.

It further explained that confirming the exact number of victims by nationality remains a challenge at this stage.

Identification and forensic analyses are expected to begin on October 15, 2025, to verify the identities of those who lost their lives in the crash.

The Malawi Mission assured the public that it will remain on the ground in Limpopo until all necessary processes have been completed.

The bus, which was en route from South Africa to Zimbabwe, reportedly veered off the road and plunged down an embankment near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo Province.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and worked tirelessly through the night to rescue survivors and recover bodies from the wreckage.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of Zimbabwe and Malawi.

President Ramaphosa described the incident as a shared tragedy that has brought pain and sorrow to all three nations.

He emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in the face of such disasters, noting that South Africa stands ready to support the affected families and countries during this difficult time.

The Malawi Mission has since pledged continued coordination with South African authorities and other embassies involved to ensure that all victims and their families receive the necessary support.