Government's urgent investigation into potential pharmaceutical smuggling after bus tragedy
Bottles of what looks like medical supplies, allegedly sourced illegally in South Africa were discovered.
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Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the South African government has launched an investigation to probe potential "pharmaceutical smuggling" after the death of 43 Zimbabwean and Malawian commuters this week.
Ntshavheni on Thursday briefed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held the previous day, saying the Cabinet has expressed its disappointment and shock following the discovery of SA medical supplies allegedly destined for Zimbabwe.
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced that the South African government will be launching a full-scale probe into the alleged theft of SA medical supplies following the accident on the N1 in Limpopo.
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The bus, carrying 91 passengers, was travelling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe and Malawi when it crashed on the N1 near Louis Trichardt.
It is believed the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle while driving in the Tshambudzi valley on Sunday evening.
Bottles that appear to be medication were found at the bus accident scene along N1 Limpopo.
"The Cabinet has expressed its disappointment and disquiet about the buckets of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other prescription medications which were discovered among the wreckage of the bus with no documentation for medical cargo.
"A full-scale investigation has been launched, and law enforcement agencies are also treating this accident as a potential case of pharmaceutical smuggling. The theft of prescription medicine, in particular ARVs, also undermines the fight against an HIV free region," she said.
Ntshavheni called on foreign nationals to be well-mannered guests in South Africa.
"(Cabinet) reminds everyone that it took a lot of effort to stop the recent unsavoury treatment meted out against foreign nationals at local clinics.
"Unfortunately, the proof that confirms brazen theft of medicines from government clinics does not assist efforts to restore conditions for foreign nationals to access public health care," she said.
Ntshavheni's remarks come as media reports have confirmed that Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared this week's bus accident as a State of Disaster after he instructed his minister of local government and public works, through the department of civil protection to help with the burial and medical expenses for victims.
On Tuesday, Zimbabwe's Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe urged relatives of the deceased to come forward for the identification process of those who perished in the accident, while also confirming the start of the repatriation process for those positively identified.
"On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved commuters here in Zimbabwe and other SADC countries so affected. That so many lives were lost in this accident once more urges us to ensure maximum diligence in the movement of our people, regardless of borders and differences in legislation. Life remains precious whenever it is lost and in whatever country," the statement read.
Cape Times