Condolences pour in following tragic bus crash in Limpopo ahead of Easter weekend

Share the Article:

Transport minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has extends her deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash that occurred on Thursday in Limpopo.

At least Forty-five people were killed and one person seriously injured when a passenger bus allegedly transporting people from Botswana to Moria collided with barriers on the bridge.

The bus plunged over the bridge and hit the ground, where it caught fire.

Speaking at the crash scene where she was rerouted to while on her way to Road Safety Operations along the road, minister Chikunga said the government will repatriate the bodies.

“I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash near Mamatlakala. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

https://twitter.com/Dotransport/status/1773410488744861752?s=20

We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” she expressed.

The minister assures the public that the precise cause of the crash is under thorough investigation.

Remains of the deceased from the bus crash to be repatriate

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service(SAPS) INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) office has confirmed that all passengers that died in the Limpopo bus accident and one surviving minor are all Botswana citizens. 

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, INTERPOL NCB Pretoria is in constant liaison with INTERPOL NCB Gaborone in Botswana. 

“Police have registered and are investigating a case of culpable homicide. As of 11:00 on Friday, only 34 bodies have been found thus far. Of the thirty-four, only nine are identifiable. 

ALSO READ | Prasa reaffirms safety, security at Park station

“Authorities are still combing the scene for more bodies. The surviving minor, an 8-year-old female passenger is receiving medical care in hospital,” she remarked. 

Brig Mathe stated that according to the passenger bus list from the owner who is also a Botswana citizen, there were 31 females and 15 males on board the 45 passenger seater taxi.

She added; “All passengers were from a village called Molepolole, near Gaborone. INTERPOL NCB Pretoria will continue to liaise with and update INTERPOL NCB Gaborone on the process to identify and repatriate the remains of the deceased.”