The National Department of Transport has confirmed that the investigation into the tragic bus crash near Vryheid, which claimed the lives of ten young EFF supporters, has been concluded.
The fatal incident occurred last week when a heavy-duty truck sideswiped the bus carrying supporters returning from the EFF’s Youth Day rally in Durban. Around 20 others, including both drivers, were injured in the crash.
Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, speaking at the funeral service for seven of the victims in Vryheid on Sunday, confirmed that the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has finalised its probe into the accident.
“I have been in discussion with the leadership of the EFF,” Hlengwa said. “At an appropriate time, we will engage with the families to provide answers and closure where possible. I want to thank law enforcement, particularly the traffic authorities in KwaZulu-Natal, for their swift intervention.”
KZN Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka earlier stated that survivors gave conflicting accounts of the crash — with some alleging the bus driver was attempting to overtake the truck, while others claimed he may have fallen asleep behind the wheel.
EFF leader Julius Malema, who also attended Sunday’s service, vowed continued support for the families of the deceased.
“We are going to honour these 10 fallen heroes,” Malema said. “Each one of them will be remembered with a proper house, fully equipped. If there is no water, we will install boreholes. We are doing this to restore the dignity of these families and to build a permanent relationship with them.”
Malema reaffirmed the party's commitment to the victims' families, saying: “We don’t want to forget you. Do not forget us.”
The official cause of the crash is expected to be shared with affected families following internal consultations.