by SAVIOUS KWINIKAPRETORIA – SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday sent message of condolence to the people of Zimbabwe and Government following deadly buses’ head on collision.

Forty-seven people comprising 45 adults and two children died on Wednesday while 70 others were critically injured when two buses along the Harare-Mutare highway collided head-on.

“On behalf of the people of South Africa, we send our deepest condolences to the Zimbabwean Government particularly the families who lost their loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and we wish you (people of Zimbabwe) strength during this time of grief,” said Ramaphosa.

He appealed to motorists travelling between the two neighbouring countries to always exercise caution on the roads to avoid carnage, which he said had robbed families of their breadwinners.

He said the two neighbouring countries had a common and long history of regional affiliation and cultural ties dated 1994 when South African attained its majority rule from the white apartheid.

Ramaphosa said the bilateral relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe were normalised following the establishment of full diplomatic relations with effect from 29 April 1994 that saw close cooperation between Pretoria and Harare.

The accident was described as one of the most horrific catastrophes in Zimbabwe which involved Bolt Cutter and Smart Express buses.