Bus from the Eastern Cape with 33 passengers overturns: MEC Siboniso Duma sends a team

Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: Im am currently in Umtubatuba after attending a funeral in Nongoma.

I have just recieved a report from a highly vigilant and dedicated team from the department's Road Traffic Inspectorate.

An unroadworthy bus travelling from the Easten Cape to Durban with more than 33 passengers has overturned on the N2 near Port Shepstone.

At this stage, 4 people have unfortunately died. We send our condolences to the families.

I am in touch with the Easten Cape MEC for Transport Xolile Nqatha to ensure that the families of the victims are assisted.

Other injured passengers have been transported to public health facilities in Ugu District.

The driver of the bus has been taken to Margate Police Station to face charges of capable homicide. 

The bus will be kept at the RTI Offices in Port Shepstone for further examination. The services of highly trained examiners and other experts will be enlisted to carry out an investigation.

We will come hard on anyone found to have violated traffic regulations. 

As we stated, we will have no mercy moving forward. Reckless driving, drinking and driving as well as cutting of corners will earn those that are on the wrong side of the law a prison term.

We thank all teams from emergency rescue services, SAPS, tow truck drivers and other personnel who are working with the RTI.

I have been touch with the MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane, the Mayor of Ugu District Cllr Skhumbuzo Mqadi and Mayor of  Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Cllr Zodwa Mzindle. 

We have agreed to ensure that an integrated approach is adopted to assist the injured and finalize the rescue operation.

We wish to indicate that the N2 - North and South bound have been closed to enable emergency rescue services to render their services.

Ends

Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements