Condolences for E Cape horror crash victims' families

Sunday, July 22, 2012

"On behalf of the provincial government, I would like to convey our message of condolences to the bereaved families and wish those that are still in hospitals a speedy recovery," said Marawu.

The crash, which claimed 18 lives -- including two school children -- involved a Sprinter bus and a school bus. Fourteen people were also seriously injured in the crash.

According to Arrive Alive spokesperson, Tshepo Machaea, the school bus was transporting children to an event in Graaf-Reinet when it collided with a bus carrying passengers from Cape Town to Mthatha.

Marawu said her department was seriously considering introducing a 24-hour shift system for traffic officers in order to provide safe passage for motorists on the provincial roads.

"We are not going to fold arms. We will engage national government to fast-track the discussions of introducing a 24-hour shift system for traffic officers in order to improve law enforcement on our roads... In fact, I will engage traffic officers' labour unions in our province about my intention," said the MEC.

Marawu is expected to join the Deputy Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, in a visit to accident victims at Cradock Hospital and the parents of the school children who died in the crash.