Source: Malawian crash victims honoured, repatriated – herald
Selina Nyamangara-Herald Reporter
A memorial service and a send-off ceremony for the 15 bodies of Malawian nationals, who died in a road traffic accident that claimed 17 lives along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway near Suswe in Mashonaland East Province last week, was held at Doves Funeral Parlour in Harare yesterday.
The bodies left for Malawi in the early hours of this morning. The other two victims, including the driver, were Zimbabweans, whose bodies have since been collected by their relatives for burial.
President Mnangagwa declared the accident a national disaster. The accident occurred on May 5, 2026, when the Malawi-bound BRD Luxury Coaches bus carrying 62 passengers from South Africa crashed, killing 14 passengers on the spot, while three died upon admission to hospital. Thirty-three others were left injured.
The injured are still hospitalised.
Yesterday, a memorial service and a send-off ceremony was held in Harare, where Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe and Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, General (Rtd) Peter Andrew Lapken Namathanga, officiated.
Minister Garwe conveyed the Government’s condolences to the Malawian Government and the families of the deceased.
The bodies left for Malawi in the early hours of this morning. The other two victims, including the driver, were Zimbabweans, whose bodies have since been collected by their relatives for burial.
Minister Garwe reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s continued support for Malawi “in good and bad times”.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, we extend our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Malawi for this tragic occasion. We are with you; our hearts are as broken as yours,” he said.
Minister Garwe said the tragedy affected both countries, describing their relations as bound by strong historical and bilateral ties.
“Zimbabwe and Malawi are brothers and sisters. We share a deep history and longstanding relations built over many years, and we mourn together through this,” he said.
He commended emergency teams, hospitals and other institutions that assisted the victims following the accident.
Ambassador Namathanga commended the Zimbabwean Government and citizens for the support rendered after the accident.
“The swift rescue efforts, medical assistance and kindness shown by the local communities, hospitals, emergency personnel and security services reflected true African solidarity and humanity,” he said.
Ambassador Namathanga acknowledged the role played by Malawian embassy officials and staff in co-ordinating assistance and repatriation arrangements. The memorial service was attended by Government officials, diplomats, church leaders and Malawian citizens in Zimbabwe.
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