The families of seven schoolchildren killed when their kombi caught fire in Gweru can now bury their loved ones after DNA and post-mortem results confirmed their identities.
The results, released on Saturday, bring closure for grieving parents who have waited days for scientific confirmation after the children’s bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
Gweru district development coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa confirmed yesterday that all identification processes were complete and the remains were ready for collection.
“The DNA and post-mortem results for the seven children who died in last week’s inferno (a fortnight ago) have now been finalised, confirming the identities of all the victims and clearing the way for burial arrangements to begin tomorrow (today),” said Mudadigwa.
“The remains are now ready for collection, and families are expected to start receiving their loved ones in preparation for the burial ceremonies scheduled across various parts of the district.”
To ease the burden on families, the Government has set up a one-stop centre to process burial orders and coordinate funeral arrangements.
The accident happened on 10 June, when a kombi carrying pupils from Matongo Primary, Senga Primary, Stanley Primary and Wendy’s ECD Centre caught fire after a container of fuel inside the vehicle ignited. The blaze engulfed the kombi, trapping some children inside.
There were 32 learners on board. Twenty-five survived, most with minor injuries.
Seven children died from severe burns. They are:
Alisha Loyo, Grade 1, Matongo Primary
Peter Tambo, ECD A, Matongo Primary
Maengamhuru Thabo, Grade 1, Matongo Primary
Kith Makarange, ECD A, Matongo Primary
Anotida Mawere, Grade 2, Matongo Primary
Faith Jangara, ECD B, Senga Primary
Junior Albert Muchenamakumbo, ECD B, Senga Primary
The driver and conductor remain in custody. Malcolm Elvis Cook, 22, and Trinity Mudhenge, 18, appeared before Gweru magistrate Dione Chiroyi on charges of culpable homicide and were remanded to 23 June.
Related:
Police Collect DNA Samples To Identify Seven Pupils Killed In Gweru Kombi Fire
ZRP Investigates Fatal Kombi Fire In Gweru