Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following a tragic road accident involving a Munhenzva Transport Services bus that claimed the lives of eleven Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa’s Free State Province, the government announced on Saturday.

The bus, travelling from Cape Town to Harare, crashed in Trompsburg on 31 July 2026. As of 1 August, the death toll stands at eleven, comprising one adult male, five adult females and five minors. Several other passengers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at Pelonomi and Universitas Hospitals in Bloemfontein.

The declaration, made in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], enables the government to mobilise necessary resources and coordinate interventions in support of affected families, according to a statement issued by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.

“The declaration of a State of Disaster enables Government to mobilise the necessary resources and coordinate interventions in support of the affected families,” Garwe said. “This includes facilitating the repatriation of the deceased, assisting survivors, and providing appropriate humanitarian assistance to all those impacted by this tragic incident.”

President Mnangagwa has conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and extended sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones, while wishing the injured a swift recovery.

The Civil Protection Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa, and other relevant stakeholders, has been directed to coordinate all necessary interventions, including repatriation of the deceased and assistance to injured survivors.

Government commended South African authorities, emergency services, healthcare personnel, and officials from the Zimbabwean Embassy and Consulate for their prompt response and continued support to victims and their families.

Further verified information will be released as it becomes available, Garwe said.