By Charmaine Ndlela
A bus transporting undocumented Malawian nationals from KwaZulu-Natal to a repatriation centre in Limpopo overturned near the Beitbridge Border Post late on Tuesday night, leaving the driver dead and 11 passengers injured.
The crash took place at about 11:30pm on the N1, about four kilometres south of the Beitbridge Border Post near Musina.
According to Limpopo Department of Transport spokesperson Mashudu Mabata, preliminary investigations indicate that the 33-year-old driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle after becoming fatigued.
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The driver died at the scene.
Seven passengers sustained serious injuries, while four suffered minor injuries. They were treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to Musina Hospital for further treatment.
Emergency services, law enforcement agencies and traffic officials responded to the scene to assist the injured, secure the area and begin investigations into the cause of the crash.
The incident comes as authorities continue processing foreign nationals who have gathered at temporary shelters in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of their return to Malawi.
In Musina, more Malawian nationals who arrived overnight are awaiting processing by the Department of Home Affairs before continuing their journey home.
The N1 remains open to traffic, although transport authorities warned that temporary lane closures may be implemented to allow forensic investigators to complete their work safely.
Motorists travelling through the area have been advised to reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance and follow the instructions of traffic officials.
Government has intensified immigration enforcement operations in recent months, with officials stating that more than 18,000 undocumented foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation as of June.
