“The bus was overloaded”: Families mourn loved ones after deadly Limpopo crash

The bus that crashed along South Africa’s N1 near Makhado, killing at least 42 people, was reportedly carrying far more passengers than its licensed capacity — a factor that families believe may have contributed to the disaster.

Relatives of those who were on board said they were told the bus, which was supposed to carry 61 passengers, had more than 90 people when it overturned.

The DNC bus was carrying 91 people instead of its capacity of 60, according to statistics where 42 people died while 49 were injured.

Among those frantically searching for answers is Japhet Moyo, who travelled to the bus company’s offices hoping to confirm the fate of his brother and sister-in-law.

“I came here on Saturday with my brother and his wife to take a bus from here to Malawi. We later heard from people that the bus was carrying 61 passengers, but now we’re being told it had over 90. That means it was overloaded,” he said.

“Since yesterday around half-past four, I’ve been trying to contact my brother but there’s no answer. The phone rings, but no one picks up. We don’t know if he and his wife are alive or not.”

Moyo said the bus company had not provided any clear answers.

“They told us they are still waiting for full information from hospitals — how many people have died and how many are injured. We are waiting for confirmation.”

He added that his family in Malawi was devastated.

“My parents and relatives are not feeling well because of this accident. Everyone is in pain. That bus was not in good condition — you can see from the pictures that the tyres are on top. It’s a painful situation for everyone, in Malawi and Zimbabwe.”

Authorities in Limpopo have since launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, including allegations of overloading and possible mechanical failure.