A female bus driver of Great North Transport (GNT) who was named Driver of the Year last year, is among six persons who will be buried at various locations of the province after they died in a bus accident on the R81 at Ga-Sekgopo on Sunday.
Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo said the deceased have been identified as Mahlaba Angelina Maeteletja (58), Kolobe Lisbeth Seanego (31), Louisa Dipeu Seja (41), Rosina Matlala (38, driver), Maggie Lamola (54) and Raisibe Salphy Ngoepe (26).
Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson, Joel Seabi indicated that MEC Dickson Masemola had visited the scene as well as some of the survivors who were admitted at Kgapane Hospital. Other survivors were taken to hospitals in Mankweng and Polokwane for treatment.
Masemola extended words of comfort to the African National Congress as the tragedy involved party members and supporters who were travelling to a rally in Mohlabaneng.
“As Police investigations get underway we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and a speedy recovery to the survivors. It’s is a very sad and tragic accident and we urge everyone to support the families of both victims and survivors,” Masemola reportedly said.
Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) MEC Thabo Mokone in a press statement sent condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Both Limpopo Economic Development Agency (Leda) and GNT also expressed sadness at the tragic loss of lives.
It was learnt that Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba and Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi were also on the scene attending to casualties. Preliminary reports indicated that 16 patients had been transported to Kgapane Hospital.
Ramathuba also conveyed a message of condolences to the affected families.
Story: RC Myburgh
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