A devastating accident in the Eastern Cape has claimed five lives and left 60 people injured after a bus carrying Zimbabwean nationals overturned on a busy highway. All 60 passengers were hospitalised with varying injuries, sparking a major emergency response.
Transport department spokesperson Makhaya Komisa confirmed that a case of culpable homicide and reckless driving has been opened at Stutterheim Police Station. “Law enforcement agencies will investigate the cause of the crash,” Komisa said, adding that reckless driving remains a leading factor in road fatalities.
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC, Kodile Ngata, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery. “We urge motorists to obey the rules of the road. Lives are at stake every time someone chooses recklessness,” Ngata stressed.
Hospitals in Mthatha and East London reported being overwhelmed with casualties, as families rushed to emergency wards desperate for news. Survivors described scenes of horror: “The bus swerved, and suddenly everything went black,” said one passenger.
The tragedy has reignited debate about road safety in South Africa, where accidents claim thousands of lives annually. Calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws are growing louder, with community leaders demanding urgent action.
Economists warn that such accidents also carry cross‑border implications, as Zimbabwean nationals were among the victims. The incident underscores the need for regional cooperation on transport safety.
For now, investigators will focus on determining whether driver negligence, mechanical failure, or poor road conditions caused the crash. Families of victims say they want accountability and justice.
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