Grief-stricken families are demanding answers after a devastating bus crash near Makhado on Sunday, 12 October, left 42 passengers dead and scores injured.
The cross-border bus, operated by DNC Bus Services, was en route from Gqeberha to Zimbabwe and Malawi when it plunged down a steep embankment on the N1 highway, a notoriously dangerous stretch of road.
The lack of communication and transparency from the bus operator has left families in anguish, unable to confirm the fate of their loved ones.
Operator accused of silence amid chaos
Relatives say DNC Bus Services has failed to provide a passenger list or update families, despite numerous pleas.
Affected families accused the company of poor handling and “unprofessionalism” during the crisis.
While DNC management claims the 61-seater bus was compliant and had 58 passengers, survivors have contradicted this.
Tichaona Mukandiona, 24, said he stood for most of the journey from East London due to lack of seating.
Willard Suwedi, another survivor, said the bus was overloaded after East London, and the driver ignored pleas to slow down after passing Makhado – despite earlier stopping to check mechanical faults.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed 49 injuries in addition to the 42 fatalities:
- 42 fatalities, consisting of:
- 7 children
- 17 adult males
- 18 adult females
- There were 49 injured persons, consisting of:
- 6 critically injured
- 31 seriously injured
- 12 slightly injured
That suggests at least 91 passengers were on board at the time of the crash.
Government officials, presidents respond
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba called the crash a “heartbreaking tragedy”, while President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed sadness and reiterated the importance of road safety during Transport Month.
“This is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike,” said Ramaphosa.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged state assistance for the repatriation and burial of Zimbabwean nationals and full coverage of medical care for the injured.
Forensic investigation underway
Authorities closed off the N1 near Ingwe Lodge on Monday to clear the wreckage, with a full forensic investigation ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.
The bus operator insists the vehicle was not overloaded and blamed the treacherous mountain road where previous crashes have occurred.
However, the discrepancy between the operator’s statements and survivor accounts, as well as the failure to provide basic information to families, has fuelled distrust and outrage.
