Corruption, unsafe buses endanger North West residents

Forensic report warns of failure to inspect vehicles

- By Setumo Stone

A forensic audit of the North West province's public transport sector has revealed what appears to be a tangled web of corruption, collusion and incompetence that is putting thousands of lives at daily risk, while those entrusted to protect them seem more concerned with lucrative contracts than safety.

Mahikeng's Atamelang Bus Transport was once a mainstay of public transport in the region, but a recent forensic audit, along with damning affidavits submitted to the high court, has revealed systemic rot — a situation in which the collapse of Atamelang was anything but accidental.

"This is not just about poor service; it's about safety," warned Mahomed Mahier Tayob, Atamelang's business rescue practitioner (BRP).

Tayob details how unroadworthy and unreliable buses are being unleashed onto North West roads. "The buses being used are unroadworthy, and the consequences could be catastrophic."