A bus crash which resulted in nearly fifty deaths near Mamatlakala in Limpopo in March was as a result of brake failure, poor vehicle maintenance, and overloading.

This was according to an investigation by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The bus, carrying pilgrims to an Easter service, plunged off a bridge and burst into flames, leaving only one survivor.

Transport minister, Barbara Creecy, said the findings expose systemic weaknesses in fleet management and roadworthiness enforcement.

She confirmed that the bus’s operator had an expired permit, while the vehicle itself was not licensed to transport passengers on long-distance routes. The driver also reportedly lacked the required professional driving permit.

Creecy said: “We cannot tolerate a situation where operators flout the law and risk the lives of South Africans on our roads. Accountability and compliance are non-negotiable.”

She added that her department will work with provincial authorities to review inspection systems and tighten penalties for repeat offenders. The RTMC has referred the findings to law enforcement for possible criminal charges.

Creecy said the tragedy underscores the need for stricter safety standards and better co-ordination between licensing authorities to prevent similar disasters in future.