Cape Town – The bus driver responsible for the deaths of 23 people at the Hex River Pass told the Cape Town Regional Court he wished he had died along with his passengers.

Sisa Nonama took the stand on Wednesday to testify in mitigation of sentence after he pleaded guilty to 23 counts of culpable homicide.

Nonama said the May 5, 2010 crash adversely affected him and his family. He said he was not coping well since the crash and often found himself thinking about the fateful day.

Nonama and his brother, Malinga Nonama, the owner of the bus, were initially charged with 23 counts of murder, 53 of attempted murder, and for contravening the National Road Traffic Act, but the charges were withdrawn against Malinga Nonama when Sisa Nonama pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of culpable homicide.

(Sisa) Nonama acknowledged that 76 people were crammed into the bus, which was certified to carry 64 passengers. The crash occurred en route from Leeu Gamka to Cape Town.

“I am sorry. It would have been better if I also passed away in that accident, rather than suffering like this,” Nonama said.

During cross-examination, prosecutor Willem Tarentaal questioned Nonama on whether he thought he was suffering because he sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives, or because of his ill health.

Nonama had testified that he suffered from a life-threatening disease, as well as TB, kidney problems and shortness of breath. He also had difficulty walking “far distances”. But he reiterated that he was remorseful.

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