The bus was from QwaQwa after members attended a Women’s Month celebration.
Advertisement
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of the lives of our warriors, protectors of our freedom, democracy and sovereignty”, Mahlangu said.
“One death on our roads is a death too many”.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the exact cause of the accident has not yet been established and investigators are at the scene.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and top military officials on Saturday visited numerous South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members injured in a bus crash on the R712 in the Free State.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said paramedics arrived at the site shortly before midday on Friday.
The minister initially visited the 3 Military Hospital in Bloemfontein where eight members of the SANDF are being treated.
Mabanga said three soldiers were critically injured during the accident while 28 others received treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
Hillary Mophethe, who is with the Free State Department of Police, Road and Transport, confirmed the incident. Another two women died in hospital.
Advertisement
Funerals were still being arranged. A time and venue would be announced soon.
