The Limpopo Provincial Government has completed the first phase of repatriating 29 Zimbabwean nationals who died in the tragic N1 bus crash near Louis Trichardt earlier this month. The victims will be transported to Zimbabwe following the completion of identification procedures, while the identification of seven children is ongoing through DNA testing.
Provincial authorities confirmed that the deadly crash, which occurred on 12 October 2025, claimed dozens of lives and left several others injured. Investigations led by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy revealed that the bus was overloaded and unroadworthy at the time of the accident. The findings pointed to serious violations of road safety laws by the transport operator, including mechanical defects and failure to adhere to passenger limits.
Minister Creecy said the evidence gathered so far showed gross negligence. “The bus should not have been on the road. It was operating in clear violation of transport regulations, with more passengers than permitted and several key safety features missing,” she said.
Creecy added that her department was working closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible faced prosecution. She also said her ministry was engaging transport associations to intensify compliance monitoring on cross-border routes.
The tragedy took a further turn when Minister in Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni criticised some of the passengers for unlawfully transporting antiretroviral (ARV) medication across borders. The minister said preliminary reports indicated that boxes of ARVs were found among the wreckage, allegedly being transported unauthorised distribution.
“It is deeply concerning that some of the passengers were found with pharmaceutical products that were not meant for personal use. Transporting ARVs without authorisation violates the country’s pharmaceutical laws and compromises the integrity of our public health system,” said Ntshavheni.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba joined bereaved families earlier this week as they identified their loved ones. The premier expressed gratitude to officials and embassy representatives from both South Africa and Zimbabwe for their support during the difficult process.
“We want to thank all teams from both the provincial and national governments that were involved in making this process bearable, helping the two countries identify their next of kin. Our appreciation also goes to the two embassies for their full cooperation during these difficult days. This process allows families to find closure as they now have an opportunity to bury their loved ones,” said Ramathuba.
The Limpopo government said efforts were continuing to identify eight Malawian nationals who also died in the crash. Discussions are under way with the Malawi government to finalise arrangements for their repatriation.
In a related development, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) issued a statement clarifying its position on compensation claims following the accident. The RAF said that while victims or their families are entitled to lodge claims in line with the Road Accident Fund Act, each case must be assessed individually to determine liability.
The Fund dismissed media reports suggesting that it was automatically responsible for paying compensation for the crash. “The liability of the RAF is established by the RAF Act, which provides that before the Fund can be liable, it must first be determined that the accident was wrongfully caused,” the statement said.
The RAF also noted that claims by foreign nationals must comply with South Africa’s immigration laws. “As an organ of state, the RAF is obliged to comply with section 42 of the Immigration Act, which prohibits the aiding and abetting of illegal foreigners,” the statement continued.
The Fund extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pledged to support them in lodging claims once investigations were completed.
Authorities have called for stricter enforcement of transport safety regulations and border control measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
