LIMPOPO – The DA has called for the immediate inspection or impounding of all Great North Transport (GNT) buses.

This is after a GNT bus overturned with 80 passengers including learners and workers on their way to work and school in Sekhukhune on Monday, March 10.

The DA said the tyres of the bus were worn-out and without tread, making it criminal negligence.

The party recently laid charges against the company after reports surfaced during the recent Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) hearings in the Limpopo Legislature, that GNT incurred over R15m in penalties from the Department of Roads and Transport for non-compliance with the National Land Transportation Act for the financial years 2018 and 2019.

These violations include operating vehicles in a substandard condition. Additionally, during the same two financial periods, GNT accumulated over R500 000 in traffic fines, the majority of which were for operating unroadworthy buses, having faulty safety indicators, and expired permits.

The matter was also escalated to the Special Investigating Unit which is investigating the matter. “We demand immediate action to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure the safety of all commuters,” said Jacques Smalle, DA provincial spokesperson for LEDET.

GNT CEO Dr Matata Mokoele said the company would leave no stone unturned to find exactly the cause of the accident.

“We will take appropriate measures to avoid such incidents from occurring in the future.”