By Judith Matanire
The Government has declared a State of Disaster following the deadly Munhenzva Transport Services bus accident in Trompsburg, Free State Province, South Africa, which has claimed the lives of 11 Zimbabweans.
In a statement released on Saturday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said President Emmerson Mnangagwa invoked Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act to declare the disaster in response to the fatal crash that occurred on 31 July 2026.
According to the Government, the bus was travelling from Cape Town to Harare when it was involved in the accident.
As of 1 August, the confirmed death toll stood at 11 Zimbabwean nationals, including one adult male, five adult women and five children. Several other passengers were injured and remain admitted to Pelonomi and Universitas hospitals in Bloemfontein, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Garwe said the declaration will enable Government to mobilise resources and coordinate support for affected families. The measures include repatriating the bodies of those who died, assisting survivors and providing humanitarian relief to everyone affected by the tragedy.
President Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the bereaved families and expressed sympathy to all those mourning the loss of their loved ones. He also wished those injured a speedy and full recovery.
The Government also praised South African authorities, emergency responders, healthcare workers and officials from Zimbabwe’s Embassy and Consulate in South Africa for their swift response and continued assistance following the accident.
Garwe said the Civil Protection Department has been tasked to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Zimbabwe’s diplomatic mission in South Africa and other stakeholders to coordinate all response efforts, including the repatriation of the deceased and support for injured survivors.
The Government said it will continue to provide updates as more verified information on the incident becomes available.
