Fatal crash SA minibus had smuggled kids

By Lance Guma
06 September 2005

The minibus which killed 19 Zimbabweans last Friday in South Africa when it rolled off a cliff had several children who had been smuggled into South Africa. In a sad twist of fate its now emerging that one of four kids packed in the front seat might have actually released the hand brake, plunging the 16 seater vehicle down the cliff with 26 Zimbabweans onboard. A survivor who narrated the ordeal to our source in South Africa says the thousands of Zimbabweans smuggle their children into the country every year because they don't have the proper documentation.

It costs 700 rand for the trip into South Africa and 500 rand back to Zimbabwe outside the normal immigration channels. Officials at the border are receiving 500 rand per child. The minibus which fell of the cliff had four such children who were now going back to Zimbabwe in time for the opening of the school term. They had spent the holidays with their parents in South Africa. Its alleged the driver of the vehicle went out to relieve himself leaving the vehicle packed with 26 passengers.

Known as 'Malaicha's' or loosely translated 'the loaders' the minibus drivers who smuggle Zimbabweans are making a killing at the expense of the safety of their 'clients'. Overloading is the main problem and hence the high likelihood of accidents occurring. It costs 1500 rands for adults with no documentation to 'jump' the border with the 'Malaicha's' and again 500 rand is the standard fee for immigration officials who turn a blind eye to the anomalies.