Rutenga Mourns Beloved Community Champion as Berto's Body Arrives Home Rutenga came to a standstill on 26/02/25 as the body of Albert Makopa, fondly known as Berto, arrived from Beitbridge in a Doves funeral vehicle. The community gathered in large numbers to pay their respects to the popular station attendant, community champion, and beloved “Street Hero.” Who Was Berto? Berto was among the 25 victims who tragically lost their lives in the Urban Connect Bus accident along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway on February 13. His body remained unidentified for 13 days due to the absence of any identification documents. Born on March 7, 1995, Berto grew up in Nete, Mberengwa, under the care of his grandfather. In 2012, he moved to Rutenga, where he built a remarkable reputation as a station attendant, working with various cross-border and local bus companies, taxis, and haulage trucks. He was also an active member of the Cross Border Association, contributing to the local transport industry with his wit and integrity. A Community Champion and Street Hero Berto was admired not just for his role at the bus station but for his impact on the community. He was known for maintaining order at the rank through clever strategies and promoting a drug and substance-free environment in Mwenezi. Using his position and influence within the transport services, he actively advocated for positive behavior among the youth, setting an example through his actions and words. His contributions extended beyond his work, as he was also an avid 8-ball pool player and frequented various recreational and entertainment centers in Mwenezi, such as PaGomba, KwaNyarie, and paMhofu, where his cheerful presence will be sorely missed. The Final Journey On the day of his return to Rutenga, the streets echoed with the sound of horns and flashing lights from trucks and buses, a tradition symbolizing respect and farewell in the transport community. It was a testament to his influence and the love people had for him. Thousands gathered at his homestead, including truck drivers and bus operators who came to pay their respects. Despite his modest financial background, Berto’s honesty, integrity, and service to the community made him an unforgettable figure. A Life Remembered Cecilia Beatrice Sikwereti (Mai Arnoe) , one of the surviving passengers who is currently recovering from severe injuries, recalled seeing Berto on the ill-fated bus. She explained that he boarded at Chinyu after receiving calls from his friends, Samson “Mabuyer” Machaka . She vividly remembered the red t-shirt he wore, which later matched the description of an unidentified body announced on the radio. His family finally identified him on Wednesday morning. A Final Farewell Berto was given a state-assisted funeral in recognition of his contributions to the community. He was laid to rest at his rural homestead in zvishavane . Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has suspended Urban Connect Bus Company’s services for six months as investigations into the tragic accident continue. Berto’s legacy of integrity, community service, and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May his soul rest in peace.