Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has condemned the discovery of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other prescription medications in the wreckage of a bus crash on the N1 near Makhado, Limpopo.
The accident killed 43 people, many of whom were Zimbabwean or Malawian nationals.
“Such behaviour is both very real and very serious. It is illegal to possess ARVs, and carrying them without proper supervision is extremely reckless,” Ntshavheni said during a press briefing.
Drugs Found Among Luggage
Television video showed bottles that appeared to be BronCleer, a codeine-based cough syrup, among passengers’ luggage.
Images of the events fuelled outrage on social media, with some users laying blame on foreign nationals for smuggling or looting South Africa’s health care system.
Illegal drugs and medication threaten public health
Ntshavheni cautioned that self-medication of ARVs could deteriorate the condition of patients, as well as lead to drug-resistant HIV strains.
“People using these medications without proper continuity risk worsening their condition and contributing to the spread of resistant strains,” she warned.
The police are investigating the crash fully, including drug smuggling. Investigators are trying to determine who brought the drugs into South Africa and where they originated.
“An investigation into this matter is under way. Cabinet is worried about theft of these medicines and has directed the appropriate agencies to act on this,” Ntshavheni said.
Call for Respect and Accountability
Ntshavheni called on foreign nationals in South Africa to behave as “well-mannered guests.
She cautioned that criminal activity would sabotage attempts to provide fair healthcare access for non-citizens.
“Stealing drugs from a health clinic compromises public health and puts anyone who relies on medical care in a precarious position. All foreign nationals must comply with South African laws and our health system,” she added.
The discovery highlights how authorities must guard South Africa’s medical stocks while protecting public health and monitoring the border, especially in a region heavily affected by HIV/AIDS.
The crash, as well as the contraband medications left at the scene are still under investigation by authorities.
