The fire broke out in the early hours of Monday (3/2) at a depot in Moretele Village. It’s raised serious questions about security and operational protocols at NTI facilities, leaving both officials and commuters unsettled.

Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Wessels Morweng expressed dismay over the incident and said it remained unclear whether the fire was an accident or arson. “We’re committed to finding out exactly what happened,” Morweng said. “This incident not only affects our public transport system but undermines confidence in our safety measures.”

North West Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management Chairperson Freddy Sonakile echoed these sentiments, voicing shock and deep disappointment over the event.

North West Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management Chairperson, Freddy Sonakile. Photo: Facebook

“While we welcome the fact that a criminal case has been opened with SAPS, the circumstances surrounding this incident are highly suspicious,” Sonakile said.

He added an independent investigation is critical to complement the ongoing police probe and to implement immediate contingency measures, ensuring that commuters are not left stranded.

The committee raised several pressing questions that demand urgent answers. These include whether there was adequate security at the depot where the buses were parked, whether any existing mechanical issues went unaddressed, whether sufficient functional fire extinguishers were present at the depot, and who stands to benefit from the destruction of these buses.

Nine  NTI buses were gutted by fire. Photo: Facebook       

Sonakile also criticised NTI for its longstanding leadership and governance challenges. “NTI has been plagued by instability. While recent steps were taken, such as the appointment of an acting CEO to stabilise the entity, this fire is a serious setback.

“It’s nothing short of an attack on the province’s public transport system, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable,” he warned.

Morweng said his department had recently turned a new leaf at NTI by addressing the longstanding leadership instability and ensuring that employees received their salaries as promised.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg