Sebokeng came to a standstill when masses gathered at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Zone 14 for the memorial service of the victims of a tragedy bus accident that took place in Meyerton recently.

In attendance were officials from Putco, government, Sedibeng District, Emfuleni Local, Lesedi municipalities, local church members, musicians, as well as family members and friends of the victims.

Speaking at a mass memorial service deputy transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said “There was nothing normal about 14 000 people dying in South Africa road accidents every year, we must join hands and wage a fierce offensive against road carnage, as each one of us has a responsibility to ensure that our roads are safe,”.
Chikunga said the government was responsible for necessary legislation to ensure safety on our roads. “However, we will not succeed if we do not get the buy-in and support of members of the public.”

A Putco bus driver lost control of his vehicle on the R59 outside Meyerton, last month. It crashed through a bridge railing and fell 10 metres to the ground, landing on its side. Fifty-five people were injured, three of them critical. The driver was among those killed together with 19 passengers, the last victim died on the eve of the memorial service.

The bus was reportedly among eight Putco buses taken off the road after it failed a roadworthy test at the Meyerton testing station. After conflicting roadworthy test outcomes were released by the Sedibeng District Municipality, Putco promised to ‘scrupulously’ investigate reports that the bus was unroadworthy. A preliminary investigation showed the bus failed one roadworthiness test, but passed another at sport complex.

A lot of questions have been asked about the road worthiness of the ill-fated bus.
The Gauteng Legislature Roads and Transport Portfolio Committee Chair Nomantu Ralehoko has also raised concern about Putco buses road-worthiness. “Commuters were telling us that most of the Putco buses are not road worthy. They were saying it’s a pity that we never get to ride in those buses, they also showed us pictures that show the buses are not road worthy,” said Ralehoko.