Malawi Government has announced that 18 Malawians died and several others sustained injuries in a road accident in Limpopo Province in South Africa involving a cross-border bus en route to Zimbabwe.
The Malawi High Commission in South Africa earlier said that 43 people, including Zimbabweans died, comprising 18 women, 17 men and seven children, including a 10-year-old.
President Peter Mutharika has sent a message of condolence to bereaved families and extended the gesture to Zimbabwe as well.
In a statement dated October 14 2025 signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi, the President said he and First Lady Gertrude Mutharika were deeply saddened by the tragedy.
the injured. | Social media
Reads in part the statement: “So far, 18 Malawians have been reported dead in the accident while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
“The President and the First Lady convey their deepest sympathies and prayers to all those affected, particularly families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries.”
Mutharika also reaffirmed government’s commitment to provide all necessary support to the affected families.
He wished a speedy recovery to the injured and expressed gratitude to the South African Government for their prompt response.
In a separate statement dated October 14 2025, Malawi High Commission in South Africa said its team visited the injured in hospital and efforts are underway to verify the passenger manifest and help with identification.
The mission team, led by High Commissioner Stella Ndau, further advised families whose members travelled in the bus, registration AGJ9630 belonging to DNC Coaches, to contact the mission and help with identifying their relatives.
The injured are admitted to Elim Hospital, Siloam Hospital and Louis Trichardt Hospital in Limpopo Province.
The crash happened near Makhado in Limpopo Province as the bus, which was travelling from Gqeberha to Harare in Zimbabwe, veered off the road, according to South African media reports.
In a statement on Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the incident is a tragedy for their country and its sister States of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba told South African Broadcasting Corporation that fatigue may have been the cause of the bus crash, saying those injured had been admitted to various hospitals in the Vhembe District.
