President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the fatal Munhenzva Transport Services bus accident that occurred in Trompsburg, Free State Province, South Africa, on 31 July 2026.
In a statement, issued on Saturday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said the declaration was made in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act to enable Government to mobilise resources and coordinate assistance for victims and their families.
“The declaration of a State of Disaster will enable Government to mobilise the necessary resources to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased, provide humanitarian assistance to affected families and support injured survivors,” Minister Garwe said.
The Munhenzva bus was travelling from Cape Town to Harare when it was involved in a fatal road traffic accident in Trompsburg, Free State Province, on Friday.
As of Saturday, the confirmed death toll had risen to 11 Zimbabwean nationals, comprising one adult male, five adult females and five minors. Several injured passengers remain admitted to Pelonomi and Universitas hospitals in Bloemfontein, where they are receiving treatment.
President Mnangagwa conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and expressed sympathy to all those who lost loved ones in the tragedy, while wishing the injured a speedy and full recovery.
The Government also commended South African authorities, emergency responders, healthcare workers, and officials from Zimbabwe’s Embassy and Consulate in South Africa for their swift response and continued support to the victims and their families.
Minister Garwe said the Civil Protection Department, working together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Zimbabwe’s Embassy in South Africa and other relevant stakeholders, had been directed to coordinate all necessary interventions, including the repatriation of the deceased and assistance to injured survivors.
The Government said it would continue updating the nation as more verified information on the tragedy becomes available.
