Police in Limpopo are appealing for the owner of several bottles of medication found at the scene of Sunday’s deadly bus crash near Makhado to come forward, as they continue investigating one of the country’s worst road tragedies.
The crash, which claimed 43 lives and left many others injured, occurred when a cross-border bus traveling from Gqeberha to Zimbabwe and Malawi veered off the N1 and plunged down an embankment. Emergency services worked through the night to recover victims and transport survivors to nearby hospitals.
During the clean-up, officers discovered multiple bottles believed to contain medication scattered among the wreckage. Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe confirmed that an official inquiry has been opened to determine the origin and legality of the substances.
Police say the medication may fall under South Africa’s controlled substance laws, which prohibit the possession of certain medicines without a prescription or authorization. “Carrying a large quantity of medication without proper documentation is illegal,” explained provincial spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Investigators have not yet identified the lawful owner, but they are treating the matter seriously as part of their broader probe into the crash. “We urge anyone who recognizes the medication or believes it belongs to them to contact their nearest police station or call the SAPS toll-free number,” said Ledwaba.
The discovery has sparked widespread public discussion after images circulating online appeared to show bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, known as BronCleer, among the debris. Authorities have since clarified that the medication is not distributed through public hospitals or clinics, emphasizing that it remains a tightly controlled substance only available through licensed private channels.
As investigations continue, the Limpopo disaster has drawn condolences and support from both South African and Zimbabwean leaders. Many families are still waiting for updates about their loved ones as recovery efforts and formal identification of victims proceed.