Remains of additional 36 individuals who recently tragically lost their lives in a bus accident at Mmamatlakala Bridge near Mokopane in Limpopo, South Africa have been identified, bringing the total number of identified victims to 42.
Spokesperson for the Health Department in Limpopo, Thilivhali Muavha, has reported that the identification of the three remaining individuals by pathologists is nearing completion. "A team consisting of members from the SAPS Victim Identification Unit and Forensic Pathology Services will convene at Mokopane Hospital on Monday to complete the handling and preparation of the deceased's remains for repatriation," Muavha stated. Health MEC, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, mentioned that the team is currently wrapping up the analysis of the remaining samples.
Meanwhile, when addressing the bereaved families in Molepolole, Botswana Police Commissioner, Dinah Marathe, assured them of an ongoing government support. She also urged patience from the families, as the DNA testing process may take some time. "We understand the pain and suffering that the families of the victims are going through, and we are doing our best to bring closure to them by identifying their loved ones as soon as possible," she said. The Commissioner further assured the affected families that once the identification process is complete, the Government of Botswana will bear all the expenses for repatriating the bodies of the victims back home. "We are committed to supporting the families in any way we can during this challenging period," she added. Marathe’s sentiments were echoed by Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, and Member of Parliament for Molepolole South, Kabo Morwaeng, who reiterated government's commitment to assisting the families of the victims. "Let us all come together in solidarity and support the affected families during this tragic time. “The Government is fully dedicated to ensuring that the bodies of all the victims are repatriated back to Botswana," Morwaeng said.
