Video: Veli NhlapoIt is believed the fire was started by an electrical fault in the engine compartment.
Some 50km away, transport minister Barbara Creecy led an operation in Lenasia, south of Joburg, that resulted in the arrest of three scholar transporters for “significant overloading”.
“There have [also] been 60 vehicles impounded,” she said, adding that the operators will be told how they can get their vehicles released “and how they can legalise their operations and provide safe transport for our children”.
During the blitz, a bus which was licensed to carry 60 learners was stopped with 98 learners on board.
In Polokwane, Limpopo transport department officials stopped a seven-seater car that was overloaded with 27 learners. The driver allegedly abandoned the vehicle and ran away.
The province said it has clamped down on 91 scholar transport drivers since the schools opened for contravening transport legislation.
Most of the vehicles that were impounded by the department were found without the legal permits for scholar transport drivers, and some didn’t meet roadworthiness and safety requirements.
Speaking at the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded action to ensure that scholar transport is safe and reliable.
In Mpumalanga, Thulasizwe Thomo, the MEC for public works, roads and transport, told Sowetan that since the traffic authorities started conducting operations on Monday, 336 vehicles that were transporting learners illegally would no longer be allowed to operate in the province.
SowetanWith all the accidents happening currently involving school kids,I always think of devil sacrifice, maybe young innocent blood was needed, hence he was sparedNo come on guys I think home affairs must intervene about the age, I mean he looks 45 yearsDudula will say he is from Zimbabwe ??I think they meant his underwear's size(18-25 age[XXXL])That guy, looks way older than 22 ?
