Govt mourns Western Cape bus accident victims, sus...

Govt mourns Western Cape bus accident victims, suspend bus operator

**Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona**

Oscar J Jeke

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona has sent condolences to the families of the Western Cape accident that claimed the lives of 13 Zimbabweans, injuring 12, while urging transport operators to abide by road traffic laws.

The death toll from the crash has since risen to 15 after two people who were hospitalised succumbed to the injuries.

The accident happened on March 9 along the Hex River pass, involving a Zimbabwean Bus, Simplex Transport and Logistics, which collided with a haulage truck, 140km away from Cape Town.

In his condolence message, Minister Mhona expressed grief over the loss of Zimbabwean lives, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and on my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families. We mourn the demise of our beloved brothers and sisters who perished in this accident.”

“Our prayers are also with those who survived and the injured as they continue to receive treatment and care. We wish them a speedy recuperation,” Minister Mhona said.

The Transport Minister also warned motorists and public operators to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, while adding that Simplex Transport and Logistics is not authorised to provide public transport hence its suspension as provided for in the Road motor transportation Act.

“It is concerning to note that our investigations have revealed that operator was not authorised to provide this service, thus, I have directed the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation to implement relevant provisions of the Road Motor Transportation Act (Chapter 13:15), including among others, suspension of operations until the operator is fully compliant with all the relevant regulatory and policy frameworks,” Minister Mhona added.

Meanwhile, the operator, through he Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation, has released US$15 000 to assist in the repatriation of the deceased.