45 Botswana nationals’ human remains repatriated 

Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Tuesday led the repatriation process of the remains of 45 Botswana citizens at Polokwane International Airport. 

The human remains belong to individuals who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident on 28 March. The accident occurred at the Mamatlakala bridge on the R518 road. There was only one survivor from the accident. 

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“It has been a long, tiring, and equally traumatizing journey for the team,” said MEC Ramathuba. “However, we are comforted by the fact that the families will finally find closure.”

DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA LEAD REPATRIATION PROCESS OF THE BOTSWANA NATIONALS 

Dr Ramathuba was joined by Botswana High Commissioner, Her Excellency Sanji Monageng. MEC for Social Development, Nandi Ndalane, Capricorn District Executive Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, as well as Mogalakwena Local Municipality Ngoako Taueatsoala also graced the ceremony. 

A dedicated multidisciplinary team, including the SAPS victim identification unit, Biology Section of the Forensic Science Laboratory Unit, Forensic Pathology Services, and their Botswana counterparts, has been tirelessly working since the day of the accident to recover and positively identify the human remains through the DNA process. The meticulous process ensures that the human remains are repatriated to their respective families.