Source: Kombi inferno: DNA confirms identities of seven children – herald
Gweru district development coordinator Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa confirmed yesterday that all the necessary forensic processes had been completed. “The DNA and post-mortem results for the seven children who died in last week’s inferno (a fortnight ago) have now been finalised, confirming the identities of all the victims and clearing the way for burial arrangements to begin tomorrow (today),” he said. “The remains are now ready for collection and families are expected to start receiving their loved ones in preparation for the burial ceremonies scheduled across various parts of the district.”Patrick Chitumba-Midlands Bureau
FAMILIES of the seven children who recently perished in a horrific commuter omnibus fire in Gweru can now begin the painful process of laying their loved ones to rest after DNA and post-mortem results confirmed their identities.
The results, which were released yesterday, bring closure to grieving parents and relatives who have spent days waiting for scientific confirmation of the identities of the young victims, whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno.
President Mnangagwa declared the tragedy a State of Disaster, underlining the magnitude of a calamity that has left the Midlands province and the nation in mourning.
Gweru district development coordinator Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa confirmed yesterday that all the necessary forensic processes had been completed.
“The DNA and post-mortem results for the seven children who died in last week’s inferno (a fortnight ago) have now been finalised, confirming the identities of all the victims and clearing the way for burial arrangements to begin tomorrow (today),” he said. “The remains are now ready for collection and families are expected to start receiving their loved ones in preparation for the burial ceremonies scheduled across various parts of the district.”
To ease the burden on bereaved families, the Government has established a one-stop centre to facilitate the processing of burial orders and coordinate logistical arrangements associated with the funerals.
Mr Mudadigwa said the initiative was aimed at ensuring families receive timely assistance as they navigate one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The tragic accident occurred on June 10, when a commuter omnibus transporting learners from Matongo Primary School, Senga Primary School, Stanley Primary School and Wendy’s ECD Centre caught fire after a container of fuel being carried in the vehicle ignited. The blaze quickly engulfed the vehicle, trapping some of the children inside. At the time of the accident, there were 32 learners on board. Twenty-five survived, most sustaining minor injuries, and are currently receiving psychosocial support.
Seven young learners, however, succumbed to severe burns sustained during the inferno. They are Alisha Loyo, a Grade One learner at Matongo Primary School; Peter Tambo, an ECD A learner at Matongo Primary School; Maengamhuru Thabo, a Grade One learner at Matongo Primary School; Kith Makarange, an ECD A learner at Matongo Primary School; Anotida Mawere, a Grade Two learner at Matongo Primary School; Faith Jangara, an ECD B learner at Senga Primary School; and Junior Albert Muchenamakumbo, an ECD B learner at Senga Primary School.
The tragedy has elicited an outpouring of grief and solidarity from across the country.
On Wednesday last week, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa joined hundreds of mourners at a funeral ceremony held at the Gweru Sports Club, where she comforted bereaved families and paid tribute to the children. The First Lady, who always stands with communities in times of grief and need, comforted the bereaved families, offering words of encouragement during their time of sorrow. In a show of solidarity, she also led bereaved families and mourners in song and dance in tribute to the seven learners.
Mr Mudadigwa said Government’s support would not end with the burials, as families would continue to require emotional and psychological assistance.
“We will continue to offer our support to the grieving families after the burials, as they will require counselling and continuous support,” he said.
Mr Mudadigwa said a funeral service provider had been engaged to provide coffins and other logistical support to ensure the children receive dignified burials.
Meanwhile, the driver and conductor of the commuter omnibus remain in custody in connection with the tragedy.
Malcolm Elvis Cook (22) and Trinity Mudhenge (18) appeared before Gweru magistrate Ms Dione Chiroyi facing charges of culpable homicide. The two were remanded in custody up to June 23.
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