President Jacob Zuma has extended his deepest condolences to the families, Premier Noxolo Kiviet and all the people of the Eastern Cape after a tragic collision in Cradock in the Eastern Cape yesterday, 21 July 2012 that claimed 18 lives. It has been reported that two buses collided on the R61 between Cradock and Graaf-Reinet.
One of the buses was carrying school children who were travelling to a school event in Graaf-Reinet, whilst the other bus was carrying passengers travelling from Cape Town to Mthatha.
Two of the 18 killed were school children from the bus. Fourteen people were also seriously injured and taken to various hospitals.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. We also wish those injured a speedy recovery so that they can reunite with their families at home.
Although these collisions appear to be taking place repeatedly leading to many deaths, we must not lose our collective sense of weeping. Even the death of one South African on our roads is unacceptable and painful, even more so these numbers of our people including children that we now appear to lose each week. The law enforcement agencies must therefore conduct necessary investigations and ensure that negligence on anyone's part is punished to the full extent of the law," said President Zuma.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@mweb.co.za or mediaenquiries@po.gov.za
