By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Forty-five victims of a bus crash in Limpopo last month have been identified and authorities are moving towards repatriating their bodies to Botswana.
The incident, involving the bus plunging off a bridge along the Mmamatlakala Pass, happened on 28 March 2024, three days before Easter.
A total of 45 people from Botswana who were on an Easter pilgrimage, were killed in the crash, while an eight-year-old girl was the only survivor.
She has since returned home to Botswana.
Earlier today, Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba’s office issued an update on the recovery operations relating to the crash.
The statement said a multidisciplinary team was coordinating the process to have all the victims identified.
“The team comprised of members from the SAPS Victim Identification Unit has already finalised packaging the deceased’s remains as part of preparations towards repatriation, and the bodies are now ready,” said Limpopo Health Department spokesperson Thilivhali Muavha.
“There will be a meeting with a delegation from Botswana on Thursday to finalise death registration with Home Affairs, and the plans of repatriation will be finalised on Friday.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Botswana couterpart Mokgweetsi Masisi visited the scene of the crash about a week ago.
Ramaphosa conveyed condolences on behalf of the government of South Africa to Botswana, following the tragic accident of a bus transporting Easter pilgrims to Moria.