The Zambia Airforce (ZAF) plane carrying the bodies of the eleven victims of last week’s tragic bus accident in South will arrive at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Ndola today at 14:00hrs.

Earlier, the South African Government said it will always remember the hospitality that was extended to its people during the difficult years of apartheid.

Speaking on behalf of the South African Provincial Government, Member of Executive Council in charge of Transport, Makoma Makhuruperje said South Africa will remain indebted to the generosity of Zambians who helped the people at the critical point.

She said the loss of the eleven Zambians in a tragedy in Mokopane bus accident had prompted condolences that were issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Cabinet and Minister of Transport, Blade Nzimande to the people of Zambia.

And Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba said President Edgar Lungu has accorded a day of national mourning to the 11 deceased persons as they represented the industrious nature of Zambians that are dedicated to hard work and earn a living through many means including cross border trade.

He said most of the deceased were small-scale traders keen to grow their business through trade opportunities.

Mr. Mwamba said it was for this reason that SADC countries should work together to facilitate trade of its people.

He also called on bus services transporting cross border traders to ensure that their bus drivers and crew respected traffic regulations including ensuring that drivers did not over speed, or were not fatigued.

He said that an official report regarding the cause of the accident will be issued next week.

Mr. Mwamba also said that he will ensure that funds due to the deceased will be processed with South African Road Fund and the Bus insurance.