Vanrhyns Pass crash: Farmworkers organisation calls for probe into claims of worker exploitation
Ten passengers were killed after a bus travelling over Vanrhyns Pass to Ceres veered off the road before rolling down the mountain slope on Monday afternoon.
The scene of a bus crash that took place on Vanrhyns Pass in the Western Cape on 2 September 2024. Picture: Supplied/X
CAPE TOWN - The Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation is calling on government to probe whether the workers who died in a bus crash on Vanrhyns Pass were being exploited.
Ten passengers were killed after a bus travelling over Vanrhyns Pass to Ceres veered off the road before rolling down the mountain slope on Monday afternoon.
Twenty-nine passengers were injured.
The organisation's director, Billy Claasen said the workers in the crash were from a solar panel farm just outside Ceres, and he suspects they were being exploited.
READ: Vanrhyns Pass reopened after deadly bus crash
"There are also rumours that some of these workers earned as low as R33 per hour. If this is the truth, it's exploitation. We call on the department to do a thorough investigation into this," Claasen.
Meanwhile, Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku said the department is offering assistance to the affected families.
"The Western Cape government remains committed to the safety and well-being of all citizens. we urge the public to respect the privacy of the affected families and loved ones during this time," Sileku said.
Police are also investigating a case of culpable homicide.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said they were probing possible wrongdoing related to the crash.
"Van Rhynsdorp Police registered a case of culpable homicide for further investigation," Swartbooi said.
Police have also urged the public to come forward with information about the crash.