The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has clarified reports suggesting it is automatically liable for claims arising from last week’s fatal bus crash in Limpopo.

The Witness reports that one of South Africa’s deadliest crashes claimed over 40 lives, including seven children and a 10-month-old baby.

Claims will be assessed individually

In a statement, the fund said that while victims and families are entitled to lodge claims under the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996, each case will be assessed on its own merit.

“It is not accurate that the RAF is liable for all or any accidents. The liability of the RAF is established by the RAF Act, which provides in section 3 that ‘the object of the fund shall be the payment of compensation in accordance with this act for loss or damage wrongfully caused by the driving of motor vehicles’.

“Until the claims are lodged with the RAF, we implore everyone concerned to allow the relevant authorities to conclude their investigations before any pronouncements are made on the liability of RAF,” the statement read.

Foreign nationals and compensation

Regarding claims by foreign nationals, the RAF said it is bound by section 42 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, which prohibits aiding or abetting illegal foreigners. Compensation will therefore only be paid where liability is established and the payment does not contravene any other law.

“The RAF sympathises with the families of those injured and deceased in the accident. The RAF further extends its deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones and pledges to support them all in the lodgment of their claims for compensation,” the statement concluded.

Victims of motor vehicle crashes can contact the RAF on 087 820 1111 (Monday to Friday, 07:45–16:00), via WhatsApp on 071 605 4707, SMS 44930 or email: contactcentre@raf.co.za

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