01 Apr 2024

Batswana, church peers, political parties and various organisations have taken to social media to express their commiserations towards the demise of 45 Botswana passengers who perished in a road accident in their journey to St Engenas ZCC in Moria, South Africa.

The news of the tragic mishap which happened near Mamatlakala bridge in Limpopo March 28 leaving the nation in shock. 

A statement by SA’s Department of Transport alleged that the driver lost control, colliding with barriers on the bridge therefore causing the bus to go over the bridge and hit the ground, where it eventually caught fire. And South Africa’s Transport Minister Ms Sindiswe Chikunga said the precise cause of the crash was still under thorough investigation.

Meanwhile, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi confirmed the tragic news of the incident on March 29.

“The Government of Botswana is expressing deepest condolences to ZCC members from Molepolole who were on a pilgrimage for Easter holidays. A total of 45 people perished in the accident with one eight-year old survivor. I urge all Christians and followers of other faiths to pray for healing and closure,” he said.

President Masisi also expressed heartfelt gratitude to South Africa (SA) President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, his government, SA Police Service and emergency services for their consolations and rapid response.

“This tragedy is a major national loss and will take time to overcome given its complexity and severity, President Masisi said.

Taking to social media, the Botswana Democratic Party President, Central Committee leadership and its members offered their sympathies, “Our hearts go out to all those who are affected by the tragedy.”

The Botswana National Front also shared a tribute to the victims.

“BNF mourns ZCC victims of Mamatlakala Limpopo bus tragic accident, and with deepest sympathy conveys condolences to families and friends of the victims. We put them in our prayers. We urge the nation to continue to pray for safety, peace and harmony.”

The Botswana Congress Party said “No words could possibly console the affected families. The loss is of a magnitude that defies human capability to assist fellow human beings to cope and accept the sad development. It is for this reason that we entrust the grieving families in the hands of the Lord for their healing.

In South Africa, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also mourned with those who have lost their loved ones.

“We call on travellers to be wary of travelling in large groups, for all drivers to drive responsibly and adhere to the rules and laws of the road,” read part of the EFF statement.

The African National Congress (ANC) also extended their heartfelt message to Botswana.

President Nangolo Mbumba has extended his condolences to President Masisi and people of Botswana. 

A message on the official Namibian Presidency Facebook page read: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences, on behalf of the people of Namibia, to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the people of Botswana, following the tragic bus crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time. We share in the grief of the Batswana and stand in solidarity with the affected families as they mourn their loved ones.

The news of the sole survivor, an eight-year-old girl, brings a glimmer of hope amidst this tragedy. We pray for her swift recovery and extend our support to her and her family as they navigate through the aftermath of this harrowing experie.

Prime Minister for The Bahamas Mr Philip Davis also extended his condolences. His message reads; My wife Ann Marie and I, along with the people of The Bahamas, extend our deepest condolences to President Masisi and the people of Botswana in the wake of the tragic bus accident in South Africa. Our thoughts are with the families of those lost in this heartbreaking incident. I pray that they find strength and solace in this time of sorrow.

The US Embassy community expresses  our sincerest condolences and deepest sadness on the tragic loss of life involving 45 Batswana in the bus crash in South Africa on March 28.

The US Embassy similiarly mourned the loss of 45 lives,  "The US Embassy community expresses  our sincerest condolences and deepest sadness on the tragic loss of life involving 45 Batswana in the bus crash in South Africa on March 28. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Botswana during this extremely difficult time."  Ends