Botswana nationals killed in Limpopo crash: Bodies ready for repatriation

The Limpopo Department of Health has confirmed that the 45 human remains from a horror bus crash on the Mamatlaka bridge on the R518 have been positively identified.

Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana says the bodies were identified through DNA processes by a multidisciplinary team comprising of the SAPS Victim Identification Unit, the biology section of the Forensic Science Laboratory Unit, and Forensic Pathology Services.

“We can now confirm that there were 46 passengers with one survivor based on this scientific process and its results. The team worked diligently since the accident to recover and identify all human remains. The task has been challenging but critical and it has been successfully executed,” he explains.

The incident on March 28 claimed the lives of 45 people when a bus plummeted 50m off the bridge before it caught fire, leaving most passengers burnt beyond recognition.

The bus was en-route from Gaborone to the Easter conference at St Engenas Zion Christian Church in Moria. An eight-year-old child is the sole survivor of the crash.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his counterpart from Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, joined by Premier Stanley Chupu Mathabatha and members of the executive, visited the crash site two weeks ago.

According to Shikwambana, the deceased’s remains have been packaged as part of preparations towards repatriation and the bodies are now ready to be transported.

Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba says the department will meet with a delegation from Botswana officials tomorrow to finalise death registrations with Home Affairs, and the plans of repatriation will be outlined on Friday.

“We want to once more appreciate all our government officials from different departments who executed their responsibilities with dedication, compassion, professionalism, and excellence. It is evident that by working together, we can do more for our people,” Ramathuba adds.