TEN people were killed and scores more injured after a bus overturned on the N1 Highway between Ventersburg and Winburg in the Free State on Sunday. It was returning from the ANC’s manifesto launch in Port Elizabeth. Photo: eNCA

JOHANNESBURG – The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has sent accident reconstruction experts to the scene of the bus crash that has claimed at least 10 lives on Sunday.

The acident occured on the N1 Highway between Ventersburg and Winburg in the Free State.

Paramedics reported that the bus was at full capacity, and had rolled several times in the accident. Five men and five women were killed.

“About 20 people are believed to have suffered serious injuries, 38 had light injuries and one was in critical condition. The injured have been transported to various hospitals in Winburg, Kroonstad, Virginia and Welkom,” said the RTMC in a statement.

A private bus has been arranged to collect all patients with minor injuries at the various hospitals and transport them back to Ekurhuleni.
The RTMC said the deceased have not yet been identified.

However, eNCA reporter on the scene, Sikelelwa Mdingi, said relatives of those on board the bus have started arriving from Johannesburg in an effort to glean more information on their loved ones.

Free State MEC for Health, Dr. Benny Malakoane stated “Fatigue is suspected to be the main possible cause of the accident as all tyres are found to be intact. The driver is not divulging any info about the cause. However, fatigue is strongly suspected as the bus went off the road on and rolled.”

Survivors told police that the drivers of the bus were swopping seats while the bus was in transit.

ER24 paramedics reported finding the bus on it’s roof when they arrived on the scene, with scores of bodies scattered around, and others trapped under the body of the bus.

The passengers are reportedly ANC supporters from Wards 60 and 62 in Gauteng.

The ANC Women’s League, the DA, and the EFF have all sent their condolences on the tragedy, in media statements.

Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Cllr Mondli Gungubele has also expressed his shock and has sent condolences to the families of those involved in the crash.

“These comrades were with us yesterday as we launched our manifesto and today they are no more. May their souls rest in peace,” Gungubele said.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone gets home hence we have set up a disaster joint operation centre to ensure that as and when we are called into action we are ready,” he added.

Courtesy: eNCA

JOHANNESBURG – While South Africans prepare to watch the first installment of Lip Sync Battle Africa this evening, one of the hosts, D’banj says he is just as excited.

The afrobeat singer will be in Johannesburg to shoot 13 half hour episodes this season alongside TV personality Pearl Thusi.

Former love birds Boity and Cassper Nyovest are expected to battle it out on tonight’s show.  

The Nigerian artist says the entertainment show is the perfect platform to show love to South Africa.

“Without a doubt I love South Africa, if there is a way where I can transcend and make people understand, is it a reality show? What do I do? So when the opportunity came I moved in. So after this I am just going to marry a South African.”

While the rest of the lineup has been kept under wraps he says viewers can expect a few surprises this season.

“We saw some great performances. You will see some actors you will want to feature after this. They are very good, I can’t mention names but I was blown away.”
Courtesy: http://www.ewn.co.za

SA Revenue Service’s (SARS) customs officials confiscated drugs to the value of almost R80-million at the Kopfontein border post with Botswana in North West on Saturday.

“Two foreign nationals have been arrested for drug smuggling and handed over to the police,” SARS said in a statement on Sunday.

“The bust happened when an empty truck was stopped for routine inspection. The customs detector dogs reacted positively to narcotics.

“It was found the truck had false compartments to stash away 141 packages of Mandrax. Thus 1,428,140 tablets worth R78,547,700 were confiscated.”

The two men, truck, and tablets were handed over to the SA Police Service, SARS said.

Courtesy- Africa News Agency

BY REGINALD KANYANE

RUSTENBURG- Two men aged 44 and 24 respectively were arrested after they defrauded a man R370 000 in Meriting outside Rustenburg on Friday. Two Ugandan men are expected to appear in Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for fraud and being in possession of suspected fraudulent documents. They were arrested after a tip-off.

North West police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said a 42-year-old man from Meriting, outside Rustenburg opened a case after being defrauded R370 000.

“It is alleged that the victim started to consult the fraudulent healers since August last year. He saw a pamphlet advertising their services. It is further alleged that during one of the consultations, he was advised to resign from his work. They claimed that the victim’s ancestors were going to double his pension money.

“The victim allegedly resigned in December last year. Two suspects allegedly accompanied him to the bank where he went to fetch his money. They waited for him outside and took him to their house afterwards,” Moleko said.

The victim was allegedly shown two safes at the suspects’ house. He was instructed to put his money in one of the safes. He was taken to his house afterwards with the wrong safe. The victim was instructed not to open the safe until both traditional healers return to perform the last ritual.

The victim was forced to open the safe by family members after he did not hear anything from the bogus traditional healers after a few days. He opened the safe and realised that there was no money inside.

Moleko said police found fraudulent medical certificates and vehicle registration certificates amongst others in possession of the suspects during the arrest. The police also urge community members who were conned in the same way to contact Constable Tsholofelo Matube 082 772 6491 or (014) 590 4258.

-TDN

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