In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the accident happened at around 8.30 pm at the 132km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road in Chivhu.
He said the death toll has risen from 27 to 28 after one of the injured passengers who had been admitted to Chitungwiza General Hospital died.
Nyathi said the remaining three victims were burnt beyond recognition and their identities have not yet been established.
“CID Forensic Department has obtained forensic samples from the three unidentified remains for analysis to enable the identification process to be concluded,” he added.
“The Police will only release the identities of the three victims once the DNA forensic examination has positively confirmed their identities.”
Commissioner Nyathi urged Zimbabweans to avoid driving at night due to poor visibility, and appealed to church leaders and conference organisers to ensure congregants do not travel at night and avoid hiring or boarding vehicles that do not comply with road safety standards.
The names of 25 victims who have been identified by their next of kin are:
Tanaka MAGIYA, a male juvenile, approximately 11 years, of Chakahwata Village, Seke.
Talent MAGIYA, a male juvenile, approximately 13 years, of Chakahwata Village, Seke.
Adiel MAGIYA, a female infant, approximately two years, of Chakahwata Village, Seke.
Nenyasha MAGIYA, a female infant, approximately four years, of Chakahwata Village, Seke.
Mellisa MAGIYA, a female adult, approximately 39 years, of Chakahwata Village, Seke.
Rumbidzai KASHONGO BONDA (29), a female adult of Zhanje Village, Dema, Seke.
Believe BONDA (10), a male juvenile of Zhanje Village, Dema, Seke.
Tehila BONDA, a female infant, approximately two years, of Zhanje Village, Dema, Seke.
Tavonga BONDA, a male juvenile, approximately eight years, of Zhanje Village, Dema, Seke.
Wisdom MASAVA (13), a male juvenile of House Number 286, Phase 1, Dema Location, Seke.
Devine MASAVA (9), a male juvenile of House Number 286, Phase 1, Dema Location, Seke.
Jonathan MARAHWA (34), a male adult of Dema, Seke.
Moline CHAMBOKO (57), a female adult of Mutevera Village, Chief Neshanndge, Sadza.
Plaxecedes NYAMAYARO, a female adult, approximately 68 years, of Marikopo Village, Chief Seke, Seke.
Humfrey CHIKAKA (44), a male adult of Dema, Seke.
Lizzy NHEMA (38), a female adult of Dema, Seke.
Tawanda MUPANDAWANA, a male juvenile, aged two years, of Collins Farm Village 2A, Gutu.
Wisdom CHIKAKA (10), a male juvenile of Churu Farm, Glenview, Harare.
Kuzivakwashe CHIKAKA (12), a male juvenile of Churu Farm, Glenview, Harare.
Tariro CHIKAKA (14), a female juvenile of Churu Farm, Glenview, Harare.
Shamiso CHIKAKA, a female juvenile, aged eight years, of Churu Farm, Glenview, Harare.
Idyai MUNYANYIWA (52), a female adult of Munyanyiwa Village, Chief Ziki, Bikita.
Bernenia ZVOMUYA (63), a female adult of Murwirashava Village, Chief Seke, Dema.
Christine NYAKUZVIRANGA (68), a female adult of Matonga Village, Chief Seke, Dema.
Itai FUSIRAI (46), a male adult of Masiiwa Village, Chief Seke, Dema