The bus driver of the Intercape international coach which crashed in Limpopo, killing nine people, has been arrested as he attempted to return to Zimbabwe, police said on Monday.
According to police, the driver was taken to hospital with the other 51 injured passengers. He then disappeared shortly after being discharged from Hospital and was arrested when he tried to cross the border to Zimbabwe.
Police Spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said police were tipped-off and swiftly responded. The driver was caught inside a goods trailer at the Beit Bridge port of entry where he was hiding.
The driver will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate Court on Tuesday, facing nine counts of culpable homicide. Ngoepe said additional charges may be added.
"His arrest follows a culpable homicide [case] where nine passengers lost their lives during a bus crash which occurred along the N1 South road in the early hours of Friday. It is alleged that the bus was travelling from the direction of Polokwane towards Gauteng province when the driver lost control and it overturned," said Ngoepe.
The bus was carrying 61 occupants including the driver and crew.
Police said the identification process of the deceased was still underway.
Intercape bus company released a statement on Twitter regarding the Limpopo bus crash, saying it was cooperating with ongoing investigations.
- African News Agency (ANA)
