Bus passengers have been urged to report cases of reckless driving to bus companies or commuter committees. This follows an accident on Thursday, 2 January, when a bus overturned, injuring 15 passengers.
The incident occurred on the N1, a few kilometres north of the Waterpoort turn-off. The bus was transporting passengers from Louis Trichardt to areas such as Mudimeli.
The injured passengers were rushed to the Louis Trichardt Memorial and Siloam hospital. Most were discharged after receiving treatment for bruises and scratches. Some were discharged on the same day, while others stayed overnight.
According to one of the passengers, Ms Mavis Mulaudzi from Mudimeli, commuters had complained to the driver about speeding. However, the driver had allegedly ignored their concerns and continued driving. Mulaudzi said chaos erupted when the bus overturned, flinging passengers around the vehicle. The bus eventually came to rest on its side at the edge of the road.
Mulaudzi added that commuters often faced victimisation when they complained about unroadworthy or overloaded buses. Bus drivers reportedly tell them not to use their "only means of transport" if they are unhappy. She also claimed that reporting incidents to management rarely resulted in action.
The spokesperson for the Mabirimisa Bus Company, Ms Thilivhali Mabirimisa, said the company held monthly meetings with road and transport officers and it was compulsory to ensure that all buses were roadworthy. She emphasised that the safety of commuters was a priority. "Our commuters are like family to us. We transport these passengers daily from their homes to school and work," she said.
Ms Mabirimisa invited commuters to report reckless driving by using the contact numbers displayed on the buses or by notifying commuter committees, who would escalate the matter to management. She added that disciplinary measures were taken against drivers accused of negligence, including suspension, if found guilty.
The secretary of the Vhembe Bus Association, Mr Patrick Mapengo, said that passengers could also report incidents of reckless driving or unroadworthy buses directly to the Department of Transport.
The Vhembe police spokesperson, W/O Vuledzani Dathi, said that the police were still investigating the cause of the accident. A case of reckless driving has been registered.