Officials shaken over Western Cape bus accident

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Parliamentarians and politicians expressed their grief over the tragic bus accident in the Western Cape that took 24 lives and left several injured. About 51 people were taken to various hospitals for treatment and at least six were reported critically injured. 

President Jacob Zuma said in a statement: “We are in absolute deep shock at this loss of human life on our roads. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. Government agencies are already assisting the families in this dark hour. We express our heartfelt condolences on behalf of government and the entire nation. May their souls rest in peace.”

Democratic Alliance leader in the province Ivan Meyer sent his condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. “Our hearts and prayers are with them. If it is determined, however, that the accident could have been avoided in any way, I will endeavour to ensure that the proper action gets taken,” he remarked.

Acting government spokeswoman Phumla Williams said: “This is an unfortunate incident. Drivers are urged to be vigilant on the road and obey all traffic laws.”

The Inkatha Freedom Party spokesman Petros Sithole said: “This is a terrible tragedy. We urge people to be extra cautious when it is raining and to follow all the rules of the road. The traffic cops and police should investigate whether the bus was overloaded and if so, we would expect the necessary criminal charges to be laid against the bus driver.”

Transport MEC Robin Carlise said a high-level detailed investigation has been launched to determine the cause of accident.

“Early reports from the surviving passengers indicated brake failure as the main reason for the crash. The Provincial Regulatory Entity will investigate the legal status of the bus including the validity of the operating license, and whether the Certificate of Fitness is still valid,” he said.