Authorities have begun the identification and repatriation process for 17 Malawian nationals who died in a tragic road accident involving a Malawi-bound DRD bus along the Harare–Nyamapanda highway earlier this week.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 1:30pm on May 5, 2026, near the 175-kilometre peg, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Police confirmed that the death toll has risen to 17, while 45 other passengers sustained injuries in the accident.
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The injured were rushed to Kotwa District Hospital and Mutoko District Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been taken to mortuaries at the two hospitals pending formal identification and post-mortem examinations.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the Government of Zimbabwe is working closely with the Malawian Embassy and relevant authorities to facilitate the identification of victims and arrangements for repatriation to Malawi.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Malawi following this tragic accident,” Nyathi said.
Police first alerted the public about the incident through social media before issuing a detailed update on Wednesday confirming casualties and ongoing processes.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established, with investigations still underway. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution on the country’s highways as inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the accident continue.
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