2023 Go George bus bomb attack victims left in limbo

Update Warning: Graphic content

GEORGE NEWS - Nearly three years after a targeted petrol bomb attack on a Go George bus in Pacaltsdorp left commuters with severe, life-changing injuries, the burn victims are still waiting for justice and compensation.

In the early morning of 1 March 2023, residents of Pacaltsdorp on their way to work, were caught in a nightmare when two petrol bombs were hurled at their bus.

The explosion left 11 innocent passengers with life-altering injuries, but to date, the perpetrators are yet to be brought to book, while the bus operating company, George Link, has shown no accountability for the pain and suffering endured by the victims.

Victims feel abandoned
Last week, five of those victims, Louwina Meiring (29), Michelle Twig (35), Frederick Jantjies (53), Chrystal Jonck (27) and Deon Adams (59), told the George Herald they feel abandoned.

Aside from counselling and the occasional food parcel, no financial compensation has ever reached them. Families lost their breadwinners, while others struggled with medical bills.

Meiring, one of the worst-affected survivors, nearly lost her life when the bomb landed in her lap.

She was airlifted to Tygerberg Hospital's ICU burn unit, where she underwent multiple skin grafts. With the support of her employer, friends and family, she has slowly rebuilt her life.

But many others have not been as fortunate.

Despite letters dated as recently as July this year, meetings and desperate appeals to Go George, survivors say their cries for help go unanswered.

"It feels like no one is taking responsibility, while we are left with scars, debt and broken lives," one said.

In a detailed letter to Go George earlier this year, victims outlined how they had lost jobs, were saddled with ongoing hospital costs and lived with chronic health problems caused by the attack.

In its written response to the victims, the bus company distanced itself from any responsibility and said the matter does not fall within its mandate.

They advised that concerns be directed to the relevant authorities, "potentially the Saps", and stressed that they could only play a facilitative role.

Company response
In response to a detailed media enquiry, Go George expressed sympathy for those affected but did not accept responsibility for the victims. The company highlighted that all buses are equipped with emergency equipment and supported by CCTV, GPS tracking, private security and other safety equipment.

"Both the municipality and George Link, the service provider to the Municipality of George, in partnership with the Western Cape Government, operate in line with all legislative and statutory public transport requirements, which include a detailed Rules of Carriage for passengers," said Communications Manager Chantèl Edwards.

However, the company did not address George Herald's questions about financial compensation, liability, or insurance.

It also did not clarify whether the current fire extinguishers were on the bus at the time of the attack.

The incident was described as an "unforeseen criminal act" that remains under police investigation.

Police investigation
Meanwhile, the police investigation into what could be described as an act of terrorism, seems to have ground to a halt. At the time of going to print, George Herald had not received any feedback on a media enquiry sent to the police last week.

Three suspects were arrested shortly after the attack but released due to insufficient evidence, and there have been no further breakthroughs that the publication is aware of.

For the victims, the question remains: who will take responsibility, and why does it feel as though they have been forgotten?

In the line of fire... Meiring was sitting next to this window when the bomb landed in her lap.

Survivors speak out

Louwina Meiring, who works in the hospitality industry, was one of the worst-affected survivors. She nearly lost her life when the petrol bomb landed in her lap. In a desperate attempt to hurl the burning bomb away, she suffered devastating burns to her hands and face.

She was airlifted to Tygerberg Hospital's ICU burn unit, where she underwent multiple skin grafts.

After months away from work, her employer supported her return with light duties.

Today, she lives with chronic neuropathic pain, managed by strong medication that leaves her drowsy. Despite slowly rebuilding her life with the support of family and friends, she still battles nightmares and trauma triggers.

Louwina Meiring in hospital after the attack.

Michelle Twig was on a three-month probation period at a new job and is the sole breadwinner in her household.

She sustained severe burns to her hands and face and was unable to work for about a year.

Thankfully, her employer continued paying her salary during that time. But the scars - physical and emotional - remain.

Michelle Twig after the attack.

Frederick Jantjies, who runs his own funeral services business, suffered burns to his face, hands and legs. He was unable to work for weeks and still carries the scars, though he managed to keep his business afloat.

Frederick Jantjies at home after the attack.

Chrystal Jonck, a young mother of a three-month-old baby, was on maternity leave at the time of the attack. She suffered deep burns to her hands and wrists, leaving her unable to care for her baby or lift anything for months.

On the day of the attack, she was on her way to her first practical session at Bethesda, as part of her Early Childhood Development and home-based care studies.

She never got to finish her qualification.

Today, she works as a cashier at a local petrol station, but still cannot pick up heavy items due to permanent damage to her wrist joint.

Chrystal Jonck after her discharge from hospital.

Deon Adams, who worked at a security company, sustained burn wounds to his face and right hand and underwent two operations.

Following the attack, his health deteriorated and he was fitted with a pacemaker.

He has since been medically boarded with permanent disability and now survives on a state grant.

Deon Adams in hospital.

All five say the visible and hidden scars are constant reminders of the day their lives changed forever.The bus in Protea Park shortly after the attack. Photo: Kristy Kolberg