HARARE, July.01(NewsDay Live)-A bus transporting foreign nationals fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa was involved in a fatal road accident near the Beitbridge Border Post on Tuesday, killing the driver and leaving several passengers injured, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed.
The bus, travelling from Durban to Musina, was carrying 65 passengers destined for processing by South African authorities as part of the ongoing repatriation programme.
In a statement, the BMA said preliminary reports showed the driver died in the crash, while several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital after receiving treatment at the scene.
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“The Border Management Authority has noted with deep sadness a serious bus accident that occurred near Beitbridge on 30 June 2026 involving a bus transporting foreign nationals for repatriation,” the authority said.
The BMA said officials from Musina Local Municipality, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Musina Traffic Management and emergency medical services responded immediately to the accident to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure the scene was managed safely.
Acting BMA Commissioner Major General (Rtd) David Chilembe conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased driver and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. On behalf of the Border Management Authority, I extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased driver during this difficult time. We also wish the injured passengers a full and speedy recovery and thank all emergency responders and law enforcement officials who acted swiftly to provide assistance at the scene,” Chilembe said.
The BMA said it would continue working with all relevant authorities to support those affected and ensure the safe continuation of the repatriation programme.
The cause of the accident is under investigation by South African law enforcement authorities.