Limpopo bus crash: Creecy calls for culpable homicide case against bus company

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called for a culpable homicide case to be opened against the bus company whose vehicle crashed and killed 43 people.

The Transport Department released a preliminary report on the fatal accident on Friday, revealing that negligence and poor roadworthiness were key factors behind the crash.

The bus, which was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe, veered off the N1 highway in Limpopo earlier this week.

According to the department's initial findings, the bus company should be investigated for operating an unroadworthy vehicle.

ALSO READ: Prelim report finds negligence and speeding behind Limpopo bus crash that killed 42 people

The Road Traffic Management Authority's investigation found that the bus, designed to carry 62 passengers, was overloaded by an additional 23 people.

It also revealed that half of the vehicle's braking systems were defective, while the trailer had no functional brakes at all.

Creecy said the bus company must be investigated for allowing an unroadworthy vehicle on the road.

She has also called for a culpable homicide charge to be considered against the company for endangering passengers’ lives.

A full technical report is expected to be released within 21 weeks.