The North West Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management has called for an independent investigation into a bus depot fire that broke out at the North West Transport Investment (NTI).
The fire broke out in the early hours of Monday at the Moretele bus sleeping ground and resulted in the burning of nine buses.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, committee chairperson, Freddy Sonakile, expressed shock and deep disappointment following the incident, and called for an urgent independent investigation.
“The committee urges the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to commission an urgent independent investigation to complement the South African Police Services (SAPS) probe, and implement immediate contingency measures, to ensure that commuters are not left stranded due to this unfortunate incident,” Sonakile said.
While he commended reports that a criminal case had been opened with the SAPS, Sonakile said the circumstances surrounding the incident were highly suspicious, “especially given the ongoing instability at the embattled NTI”.
“A number of pressing questions demand immediate answers, and only an independent investigation can ensure transparency and accountability,” Sonakile said.
Among the concerns noted by the committee include the level of security at the depot where the buses were parked; whether the buses had existing mechanical issues, and if so, why they were not addressed.
The committee also questioned the availability and functionality of fire extinguishers at the sleeping grounds and who stood to benefit from the destruction of the buses.
The chairperson acknowledged that the NTI had been plagued by leadership and governance challenges.
“With the department’s recent court victory on the removal of the Business Rescue Practitioner—now under appeal—the department had begun making strides by appointing an Acting CEO to stabilise the entity.
“This fire is a serious setback to those efforts. This act is nothing short of an attack on the province’s public transport system, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable,” Sonakile said. – SAnews.gov.za
