FIFTEEN months later, a North West family who lost two loved ones is still haunted by the tragic accident.
On 10 June 2022, a horrific collision involving a bus carrying 56 passengers and a truck happened on Hornsnek Road near Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane.
At least 39 people were left injured and 15 died.
Among those who died were cousins Magret Morobe (52) and Letta Phalatse (31), who were heading to work on that fateful day.
Dealing with death
Their cousin, Dikeledi Phalatse told Daily Sun:"Adjusting is still hard even now, but it does get easier. Every time I hear that an accident has just happened, it brings fresh memories about my late cousins."
Dikeledi said on the day of the accident, she and the deceased had boarded their first bus in Rabokala Village, North West, and travel to Kgabalatsane and Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Gauteng.
From there, Dikeledi took the bus to Lynnwood while Magret and Letta took the bus going to Centurion, Tshwane.
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Dikeledi said at that time, the bus heading to Centurion was in front and being followed by the one in which she was a passenger.
She said she then received a call that she should check on her cousins as there was a reported bus accident, adding that it was later confirmed that her cousins had died in that crash.
Dikeledi said while getting over the grief isn't easy, what gives the family strength is talking about the good memories they shared with the cousins.
Memories of loved ones
In 2022, then transport minister Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the bus was travelling in a southerly direction while the truck carrying furniture was in the opposite direction.
Because both drivers died, no case could be opened as no one would be charged for reckless and negligent driving or culpable homicide.
Numbers in fatalities
Between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022, more than 4 001 trucks and buses were involved, with KZN ranking the highest in fatal crashes, according to Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
As a result of this high rate of fatalities, the transport department introduced a road safety awareness campaign.
Plan of action
The focus is on interventions for truck drivers and information regarding lethal offences such as fatigue, distracted driving, dangerous driving, and impaired driving.
RTCM spokesman Simon Zwane said in light of this campaign, truck drivers have spoken out on the numerous challenges faced on the road, including employer pressure and the risk of hijacking.
He said this response is good and plans to intensify the campaign are in motion as the festive season approaches.
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