Government has described the Makhado bus crash as preventable and confirmed a criminal investigation into undocumented medicines found in the wreckage.

Following its meeting last week, Cabinet extended condolences to the governments and people of Zimbabwe and Malawi for the loss of 43 lives and sent well wishes to the 48 survivors being treated in hospitals across Limpopo’s Vhembe District. The accident occurred when a cross-border passenger bus travelling along the N1 North near Makhado overturned and caught fire.

Ministers said the tragedy was “unnecessary and preventable if road traffic regulations were adhered to and enforced,” urging travellers to use only roadworthy vehicles, avoid overloading, and drive responsibly.

Cabinet also confirmed that investigators are probing possible criminal activity after “buckets of antiretroviral drugs and other prescription medicines” were found without documentation. Officials said the incident is being treated as a potential case of pharmaceutical smuggling.

“The theft of prescription medicine, particularly ARVs, undermines the fight against HIV in the region,” the statement added, while thanking the Limpopo government for its swift response in treating survivors and recovering the remains of the deceased.