South Africa's president sends condolences to Botswana over 45 people’s deaths in bus crash

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday conveyed his condolences to the Republic of Botswana and the families of the 45 people killed in a bus crash in South Africa's northern Limpopo province on Thursday.

A passenger bus transporting 46 Easter pilgrims from Botswana to Moria fell off a bridge in South Limpopo province. An 8-year-old girl was the sole survivor of the crash.

The presidency said in a statement that “Ramaphosa has extended his sympathies in a call to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and pledged the continued support of the South African government during this time of need for the people of Botswana.”

The statement said during the telephone call Masisi expressed his gratitude to South Africa for its cooperation during a difficult time.

Earlier, the transport department said the driver lost control after hitting barriers on the bridge, plunging into the bridge where it caught fire.

During the Easter and Christmas holidays, South Africa experiences a high number of road accidents, particularly on the Limpopo Highway, which connects to Zimbabwe.

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha has dispatched provincial transport minister Florence Radzilani to the accident scene to conduct a thorough investigation and determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.