By OBAKENG MAJE
Some commuters who were in a minibus taxi that bursts into flames on N18 road in Taung said they are lucky to be alive. It is alleged that, the 22-seater-minibus taxi was from Taung Taxi Rank ferrying commuters to Rustenburg when it experienced a mechanical fault.
One of the passengers, Wende Mooketsi said she lost her luggage during the incident.
“We are now in Lichtenburg on our way to Rustenburg and most of us (commuters) lost our luggage. The minibus taxi was engulfed by fire and we had to escape. We have not managed to open any criminal cases and I do not know what will be the next step. I lost my bag with clothes inside,” she said.
The Greater Taung United Taxi Association Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tshidiso Letlhaku shared the same sentiments. Letlhaku said it is worrisome because this happened just a few hours after the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula just launched the October Transport Month campaign today.
“We do not know what really happened because we were called to the scene. On our arrival, we saw the minibus taxi into flames and it is suspected that, the fire might have been caused by a mechanical problem.
“We are grateful that, atleast passengers escaped unharmed in the incident even though most of them lost their luggage due to fire. They managed to escape before it could burst into flames,” he said.
Letlhaku said, the affected minibus taxi was originally from Rustenburg. He said the driver was ferrying passengers to Rustenburg from Taung Taxi Rank.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, who was part of the October Transport Month said: “As the province, we always look forward to participating in this important and historic event, where we showcase our projects and the deliverables that we do.
“As the province, we will be replicating the launch and most importantly showing South Africa that, we are determined to ensure that there is service delivery in the transport infrastructure development and promotion of safety on all modes of transport.”
Molapisi further said, they will intensify their efforts in working together with all spheres of government through the District Development Model (DDM). He added that, they will also ensure that the transport model builds the lives and livelihoods of the people.
“We will realise this by rolling out new infrastructure projects to create much-needed jobs as we do the sod-turning activities tomorrow. As the government, we should strive in working together to realise our common objective.
“The October Transport Month gives all of us as stakeholders, especially government an opportunity to work in an integrated manner for a purpose of building a better life for our communities,” he said.
Molapisi wished all provinces the best as they are excitedly beginning their October Transport Month. He also applauded Mbalula for outlining the journey that he has taken.
“It is indeed important for us to be celebrating this achievement so that, we can showcase to our people what we are doing as the government. There is a narrative that, we are not bringing services to our people, but this is a demonstration that we are indeed changing the lives of our people,” he concluded.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “No criminal case that was opened as it was stated that the fire was caused due to mechanical issues.”
The Guardian 