By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Nine ANC supporters who attended the governing party’s election manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, have been killed in a bus crash outside Paulpietersburg in KwaZulu-Natal.
The number of fatalities has been rising, with emergency services initially declaring seven dead, while 10 others are in a critical condition
In January, six ANC supporters who were travelling to the ANC’s January 8 Statement in Mbombela from Limpopo, died when their bus crashed at Magobaskloof near Tzaneen.
According to a National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATjoints) report by national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the bus was coming from the Moses Mabhida Stadium when it overturned, where the ANC was launching its manifesto.
In a 9am update, she said: “Police and various emergency services are at the scene of a bus accident on the R33 between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg in KZN.
“Eight people have so far been confirmed dead and scores injured. Those that are injured have been taken to various hospitals in the area for medical care,” she said.
In a later update, the KZN Department of Transport said nine people had been declared dead.
Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka said he was saddened by the loss of life after a successful ANC manifesto launch.
“After such a hugely successful rally in Moses Mabhida, we are now waking up to such painful news. We have however already deployed a team on the scene which is already at work with all law enforcement agencies,” Hlomuka said.
“The investigation has already started, and we are already in touch with the bus owner. Our investigation is looking at the condition of the road, condition of the bus, weather during the times of the accident and the condition of the driver,” Hlomuka said.
“We wish to express our deepest condolences to all the affected families and speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries,” he said.
The ANC said it was shocked by the news of the crash. National spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the KZN health MEC and deputy chairperson of the ANC in the province, Nomagugu Simelane, along with other party leaders in KZN and Mpumalanga, were en route to the scene of the accident and the hospitals “where they will assess the situation, visit the injured comrades and meet with the families affected”.
“Our comrades exemplified an unwavering commitment to the ANC by responding to the rallying call of Mayihlome. It is a true tragedy that there be such a loss of lives after such a memorable day. Their selflessness and commitment to building a better future for generations to come will forever be remembered,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.