Zim couple and their only child (3) die on the way home after celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary

The news of the tragic accident, in which ten people lost their lives, including a young Zimbabwean family, has caused shock and sadness in the two neighboring countries of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The accident occurred on Tuesday evening at the Three Mile Circle in Makhado in the South African province of Limpopo. It involved a Mzansi Express bus on its way from Bulawayo to Johannesburg.

Among the victims were Lorenzo Palu (36), his wife Forgive Palu (31) and their three-year-old son Lwandile. The young family had travelled to Bulawayo to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary, a milestone that should have been followed by many more years of marital happiness and the joint raising of their son.

The hope of a long and meaningful life together is now a shattered dream that will never come true, and their loved ones are left with heartbreaking unanswered questions and a grief that will remain in their hearts forever.

Lorenzo was a well-known product and user experience (UX) designer, while his wife Forgive was a preschool teacher and had started spreading her wings in the world of entrepreneurship by starting a company called “Sweet Soul Cakes”.

The couple had only recently returned to South Africa after their anniversary celebration and were tragically involved in an accident there.

“It is difficult to put into words the pain we are all feeling. Lorenzo was more than just a talented designer; he was a mentor, a friend and a support to many. His death is unimaginable. We cannot express how deeply hurt we are. It is too much to comprehend,” said Forgive's mother, Sifikile Tshuma.

Colleagues and family members remember Lorenzo as a visionary who always sought to edify others through his work and faith. He was respected not only for his professional achievements but also for his deep commitment to preaching the Gospel.

Known for his innovative designs and creativity, he participated in the 2022 UX South Africa virtual hybrid conference where he showcased his passion for enhancing the user experience through technology.

The Palu family's tragic accident has left a void that will be difficult to fill. Tshuma still wonders if the decision to travel on Tuesday instead of Monday could have been avoided, as the couple's itinerary was abruptly changed.

Lorenzo's brother, Amigo Bondiya, said the loss was incomprehensible.

“We are at a loss for words to lose such a young family under such tragic circumstances. This is really hard to accept,” he said.

“Lorenzo believed in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. We will honor his memory by continuing to support one another during this incredibly painful time.”

Following the tragic bus accident, Mzansi Express released a statement on the incident and provided details of the events.

“Yesterday evening (27 August 2024), our bus with registration number HT73PGGP en route from Bulawayo to Johannesburg was involved in an accident at the Three Mile Circle in Makhado, South Africa at around 23:50.

“There were 67 passengers on board as well as the bus crew. In this accident, several passengers tragically lost their lives and several others sustained injuries of varying severity. The South African emergency services attended the scene and transported the injured to Makhado and Elim hospitals for treatment.

“We are currently working with law enforcement authorities who are dealing with the matter. Next of kin will be notified once identification of all passengers is complete,” the bus company said.

“We respectfully request your patience while the police and health services work to treat and identify all injured and deceased passengers. The management of Mzansi Express would like to take this opportunity to reassure Zimbabweans that we too feel the nation's shock and pain at this tragic hour.

“A more detailed statement will be issued in due course as we continue to engage with the authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa.”

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