SA accident victims identification to take at least 2 weeks

The identification process of the nine Zimbabweans who died in an accident early on Thursday morning in neighbouring South Africa is expected to take at least two weeks as most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.

South African police yesterday said they would need to do DNA tests to positively identify the victims.

The nine died when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in rammed into a stationary Zambian haulage truck near Naboomspruit along the N1 highway in Limpopo Province.

Limpopo police spokes person Lieutenant Colonel Ronel Otto said: "The identification process is underway. DNA tests are also being done to confirm the identity because some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition."

Lt Col Otto said one of the injured victims was still hospitalised and in a stable condition at Naboomspruit hospital while the other had been discharged.

She said the DNA profiling is expected to take about 14 days.

She said South African police were working with Zimbabwean Consulate staff in the identification process.

Lt Col Otto said the accident occurred at around 01:15 hours on Thursday morning.