A minibus travelling from Cape Town to Mozambique and transporting 20 foreign nationals overturned on Wednesday morning on the N1.
Preliminary information indicates that the 15-seater minibus overturned after the trailer attached to the vehicle reportedly experienced a mechanical failure, resulting in the accident at around 08:40 and approximately 19 kilometres from Hanover towards Colesberg in the Northern Cape.
Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, police spokesperson in the Northern Cape, said the 20 occupants consisted of 14 adults and six children aged between five and seven years. Three passengers sustained minor injuries and were attended to by emergency medical services (EMS).
No fatalities were reported.
Gamieldien said upon assessment it was established that some passengers were in possession of travel documents, while others did not have the required documentation.
The matter has been referred to the relevant immigration authorities for further processing. Social Services have also been notified and are attending to the affected children.
All relevant role players, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), EMS, immigration officials and Social Services, are assisting with the situation.
The police urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads and to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before undertaking long-distance journeys.
Several arrests made following 30 June marches
Gamieldien also stated in an unrelated press release that the SAPS in the Northern Cape remains on high alert and will continue to monitor developments following peaceful marches held on 30 June across the province’s five districts in relation to operations against illegal immigration.
“While the majority of activities proceeded peacefully, SAPS confirms that several arrests have been made in connection with incidents of looting, attempted looting, illegal immigrants and business robbery and related unlawful activities reported during the course of the operations,” she stated.
The SAPS in the Northern Cape reiterated that the right to peaceful protest is protected; however, criminal conduct, including looting, damage to property, and any acts that threaten the safety of communities, are not tolerated.
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