Note to Editors: Please note Riona Gokool, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) calls on the province’s Department of Transport (DoT) to ensure a full and transparent investigation into the cause of a horrific bus crash – which took place in the early hours of this morning near Vryheid. The accident claimed the lives of 12 people and left more than 20 injured.
The DA is deeply saddened by this devastating incident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we wish the survivors a swift and full recovery.
This tragedy once again highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and the enforcement of traffic regulations. It also emphasises the urgent need for upgrading and maintenance of KZN’s road infrastructure – particularly in rural and regional parts of our province where accidents are far too common.
The DA further calls on MEC Siboniso Duma and his department to establish whether negligence – whether due to poor road conditions, vehicle unroadworthiness or driver recklessness – contributed to the crash. In this event, swift accountability and corrective measures must follow.
Road fatalities are not just statistics – they represent lives lost, families torn apart and communities left grieving. As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will continue to fight for safer roads, improved public transport oversight and infrastructure investment in order to prevent tragedies such as this. The safety of our citizens must always be a priority.