Durban – A bus travelling from the Eastern Cape to Durban with more than 33 passengers has overturned along the N2, near Port Shepstone, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), leading to at least four deaths.
Commenting on the tragedy, KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, who was in Umtubatuba after attending a funeral in Nongoma on Saturday, (12 October 2024), said: “I have just received a report from a highly vigilant and dedicated team from the department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
“An unroadworthy bus travelling from the Eastern Cape to Durban with more than 33 passengers has overturned on the N2 near Port Shepstone.
“At this stage, four people have unfortunately died. We send our condolences to the families.
“I am in touch with the Eastern Cape MEC for Transport Xolile Nqatha to ensure that the families of the victims are assisted.”
MEC Duma said injured passengers have been transported to public health facilities in Ugu District.
He said the driver of the bus had 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,” MEC Duma said.
“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 corners will earn those that are on the wrong side of the law a prison term.”
MEC Duma thanked all teams from emergency rescue services, SAPS, tow truck drivers, and other personnel working with the RTI.
“I have been in touch with the MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane, the Mayor of Ugu District Cllr Skhumbuzo Mqadi, and Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Councillor Zodwa Mzindle,” said MEC Duma.
“We have agreed to ensure that an integrated approach is adopted to assist the injured and finalise 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.”
