The Department of Health and Zororo-Phumulani are facilitating the repatriation of the Masunda-Shoperai family following a tragic accident that claimed three lives, sparking widespread mourning in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
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South Africa’s Department of Health and the funeral services provider Zororo-Phumulani have stepped in to facilitate the repatriation and funeral arrangements for the Masunda-Shoperai family following a devastating double tragedy on the N1 near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, which claimed three lives.
The Department of Health will cover the full cost of repatriation and funeral arrangements, working alongside Zororo-Phumulani to ensure a dignified and coordinated process.
The tragedy has sparked widespread mourning across South Africa and Zimbabwe.
On May 9, 2026, 44-year-old Paul Masunda was fatally struck by a light motor vehicle while crossing the N1 near an informal bus stop used by travellers heading north.
Moments later, after learning of her husband’s death, 37-year-old Beauty Shoperai alighted from a nearby bus.
Carrying their two-year-old son, Paul Masunda Jr, strapped to her back, she attempted to cross the highway to reach him when they were hit by an official state vehicle driven by an escort attached to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.
The minister was not inside the vehicle.
In response to the tragedy, Zororo-Phumulani will manage the complex cross-border logistics to ensure the family is laid to rest with dignity in Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
CEO Oliver Mufudze stated that the company moved swiftly to take operational responsibility and worked closely with state authorities to fast-track the paperwork.
“Our hearts are with the Masunda-Shoperai family during this profoundly painful time,” Mufudze said. “No family should face grief alone, especially when bringing loved ones home.
It is an honour to support a dignified repatriation and farewell for Beauty, Paul, and their son, Paul Junior.” He also thanked the Department of Health and its Port Health unit for assisting with documentation and coordination.
Dr Motsoaledi, who visited the family, described the incident as “devastating” and confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating culpable homicide, as both drivers involved were members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Speaking for the family, Rabson Masunda expressed gratitude for the support, saying it had eased the burden during an extremely painful time and ensured a dignified farewell in Zimbabwe.
“The family wishes to sincerely thank Zororo-Phumulani for the compassion, generosity, and humanity shown following this tragic accident.
Their support with the repatriation process, together with the intervention of the Department of Health in covering the costs, has helped ease the burden on the family during this painful time and will ensure our loved ones receive a dignified farewell in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, with burial set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Masvingo.