Kathorus mourns ANC volunteers who died

A total of 11 people, all of them from Katlehong, were killed when the bus they were travelling in overturned while returning from an ANC manifesto rally in Port Elizabeth.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning while the bus was en route to Gauteng.

Those who died come from various areas in Katlehong.

According to the municipal spokesperson, Themba Radebe, there were 66 passengers on the bus. It is believed the driver lost control and the bus plunged down an embankment alongside the road.

“Out of the 66 passengers, 27 of them returned home on Sunday afternoon, while 30 were admitted to different hospitals. Others were later transferred to hospitals closer to home in Gauteng.

Seen among the mourners was controversial pastor and prophet, Paseka Motsoeneng, who joined hundreds of local residents in the mayoral procession to the bereaved families’ homes. To assist families with information, the City of Ekurhuleni established a Joint Operation Centre (JOC) to coordinate information regarding the accident.

“The JOC stands ready to provide up-to-date information on the status of all passengers involved in the fatal accident, including those who are still hospitalised in the Free State and the patients who were transferred to our local hospitals. We are happy that a bus carrying 27 patients with minor injuries arrived just after midnight. These patients were allowed to go home after observation,” said the Member of the Mayoral Committee on Community Safety, Clr Vivian Chauke.

The City has chaplains and counsellors on standby to assist family members through the trauma.

Families requiring information can contact 011 999 3796 for further information about their loved ones.