The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is set to appoint
an independent investigator, supported by fire experts, to determine the cause
of the PUTCO bus fire that claimed six lives and left others fighting for their
lives in hospital.    


MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob
Mamabolo revealed the need for a Departmental investigation after visiting survivors
at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital on Sunday, 23 May 2021.


He also welcomed investigations by PUTCO and law-enforcement
agencies into the causes of the fire. The MEC indicated that “the Department
was deeply concerned and worried by what has happened”. 


He added that the “facts and information will be shared with
all families to be able to get all answers they require” and to find permanent closure.


“We also send our deep, heartfelt condolences to families
and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. We wish
the injured a speedy recovery,” said the MEC.


MEC Mamabolo added that cause of the fire was not known at
this stage and that the Department would not enter the realm of speculation. He
said the Department would wait for the results of the investigations to
determine the next course of action. 


NB: The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport manages 34
bus subsidy contracts (26 tendered and 8 interim contracts) awarded to 13 bus
operators. These are funded through the Public Transport Operations Grant
(PTOG). Two other ceded contracts from North-West Province are funded by the
Gauteng Province. These contracts are operated in the metros namely: Cities of
Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni as well as Sedibeng District Municipality.
The subsidised services are operated by bus companies on behalf of government
through a system of interim or tendered contracts.