MPUMALANGA PREMIER‘S INTERVENTION LEADS TO FINALISATION OF BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BUS VICTIMS

09 July 2021

Mpumalanga Premier Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane is now satisfied that the six families whose relatives died in a bus crash will finally bury them. This after Mtshweni-Tsipane intervened for DNA tests to be concluded without delays for the identification of the victims who had died when a PUTCO bus they were travelling in caught fire on the Moloto road two months ago. The remains have now been handed over to the families. The six bodies were burnt beyond recognition and DNA had to be conducted for identification.

Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane says she is satisfied that the DNA results have been finalized. "We are a government of the people and have to be there for them. We could not just sit back when these families needed help. They lost their breadwinners, it was therefore important that the bus company be made to take responsibility and do right for these families, that is what we eventually achieved as the Mpumalanga government together with Putco," says the Premier.

Through the Premier's intervention the bus company contributed towards burial costs of the victims. Three of the victims will be buried on Saturday, 10 July 2021 whilst the remains of one of them, will be repatriated to Zimbabwe. The Premier's intervention and support was commended by the Spokesperson for the families, Mr Abraham Nhlapo.

"We would like to thank the Premier for her continued support to us all during this difficult time. She became a mother to us and ensured that the bus company plays a role in the burial process," he said.


Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government

Spokesperson: Sibongile Mkani-Mpolweni
Tel: (013) 766 2453
Mobile: 082 967 2138
E-mail: mpolwenis@prem.mpg.gov.za

(A) Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za