Limpopo bus crash deeply traumatised me – Ramathuba
Boikanyo Mathonsi | Tuesday May 7, 2024 06:00
She highlighted the emotional toll in an interview with The Monitor following the incident that left the nation mourning. 'When you are shown children of those that passed away in the accident and you are shown their families, the reality of the matter becomes much more difficult, this has deeply traumatised me, and it is something that one can never forget,' Ramathuba expressed.
Her sentiments echo the profound sorrow felt not only by those directly impacted but also by communities across borders. 'No amount of words can explain or ease the pain of what we are going through,' she shared, emphasizing the shared anguish between South Africa and Botswana. Minister of State President, Kabo Morwaeng, reflected on the unprecedented nature of the tragedy. 'This is the first of its kind to happen in Botswana, we have never experienced this before, and it is an unbearable pain that we are all feeling right now,' Morwaeng remarked.
Moreover, Sanji Monageng, Botswana's High Commissioner to South Africa, expressed gratitude to the South African government for their support during the difficult time caused by the accident. 'We appreciate the assistance we received from the South African government, through the support of President Cyril Ramaphosa and I worked together to ensure that the remains of the victims were identified and transported back to Botswana,' she said. Monageng also mentioned the excellent collaboration between the two governments in conducting DNA identifications and repatriating the victims' remains. 'On behalf of Batswana, I must say that we will always be thankful for the support received from the South African government,' she added.
The bus, transporting Easter pilgrims from Gaborone to Saint Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in Moria, met with a devastating fate on Easter weekend, claiming the lives of 45 passengers. Amongst them, only an eight-year-old girl survived. On Saturday, all 45 victims were laid to rest, with 44 receiving a state-led mass burial in Molepolole. Approximately 5,000 mourners dressed in black gathered to bid farewell to their loved ones nearly a month after the heart-wrenching accident. The bus driver, Ogaufi Noonyane, who also tragically lost his life in the accident, was laid to rest separately in his home village, Thamaga.