8 year-old sole survivor ready to come home soon
Underwent a minor surgery
The eight-year-old sole survivor in the tragic bus accident that claimed the lives of 45 ZCC pilgrims in Limpopo last Thursday has undergone a minor operation and is reportedly responding positively to medication.
South African journalist Andries Sibanyoni informed The Midweek Sun that Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla visited the young survivor on Tuesday, as well as the crash site of the accident.
He added that currently only nine bodies recovered are identifiable. The other strange thing is that 46 people crossed the border but only 41 bodies have been recovered - five (5) are missing.
Addressing the South African media on Tuesday, Limpopo Department of Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said that the child’s condition is progressing well, and she is expected to be discharged sooner than anticipated.
Upon discharge, she will be formally handed over to a medical team in Botswana who will continue to monitor her recovery. Dr Ramathuba also noted that due to the gruesome nature of the accident, only 41 body bags have been received so far, with eight bodies being easily identifiable. The department is not able to confirm the timelines of when the process of identifying the bodies will be completed and that the reports are still preliminary. Meantime, Botswana Police have confirmed that joint forensic investigations between the South African and Botswana governments have begun.
The identification process is expected to take time due to the complexity of the case. Yesterday, Tuesday, President Mokgweetsi Masisi visited Molepolole to console the bereaved, following a kgotla meeting called by Kgosi Kgari III, who addressed the people about the tragedy on Monday. President Masisi described the accident as heartwrenching, emphasising that the pilgrims were on their way to worship and not involved in any dubious activities. He urged the nation to find solace in faith and refrain from aggravating the pain felt by the affected families.