Go George bus bomb: Accountability battle continues

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Following an article in George Herald, dated 21 August "Go George bus bomb attack victims left in limbo", and on georgeherald.com, George Link, the contracted operator of the Go George bus service, has stressed that it is not responsible for managing the public transport system or compensating passengers affected by incidents such as the 2023 petrol bomb attack in Pacaltsdorp.

As operator, George Link said it provides drivers and operational staff, while the George Municipality, through its Go George division, is responsible for the overall management of the service, including matters relating to passengers.

George Link emphasised that it is a private company, independent of the municipality, and should not be confused with Go George, which is part of the municipality.

Insurance and accountability questions
Despite this, George Link confirmed it had invited victims of the March 2023 attack, via Go George, to contact them if they wished to claim against the company's insurance, even though, under the contract, claims should fall under the municipality's insurance.

According to the George Link's directors, the incident was registered with their insurer on 2 March 2023, the day after the attack.

Meetings
During a meeting with George Herald on Tuesday 26 August, George Link's directors confirmed various meetings had been held with the municipality following the incident, but said they were never made aware of any complaints, letters or meetings held between Go George and the bomb victims.

The directors also clarified that, insofar as any previous article might have created the impression that George Link had 'shown no accountability' or 'distanced itself from responsibility', this was not the case.

According to the directors, those statements refer to the municipality, not George Link.

Nearly three years later, survivors with severe burn wounds and life-changing injuries say they are still waiting for justice and compensation.

The window next to where Meiring was sitting when the bomb was thrown at the bus.

Municipality's stance
George Municipality's communications manager, Chantèl Edwards, said George Link is the contracted operator responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Go George public transport service, while the municipality manages the system in partnership with the Western Cape Government.

"The municipality oversees the contract and ensures service delivery in accordance with the National Land Transport Act, relevant municipal by-laws and standard public transport contracting practices in South Africa. Public liability insurance is designed to protect members of the public in cases where injury or loss occurs due to proven negligence by the vehicle owner or operator. This insurance is attached to the vehicle and its ownership and does not automatically result in compensation following an incident," she said.

Liability and cover explained
Edwards explained that claims are only paid if legal liability is established, and in public transport, this rests with the bus owner.

"Therefore, if passengers are harmed, any potential claims must be directed to the vehicle owner's insurer, who will assess whether liability exists under the law," she said.

Sasria covers damage to buses and infrastructure caused by unrest, riots or terrorism, but does not compensate passengers. Injuries or death from road accidents may be claimed through the Road Accident Fund.

Actions after the attack
The bus involved belongs to George Link. Edwards said: "Following the incident, the municipality immediately engaged with George Link Pty Ltd, who confirmed in writing that affected passengers could submit claims directly via a designated email address.

The municipality registered the incident with its own insurers, and Go George compiled a list of affected passengers, which was shared with George Link."

Passengers were referred to George Link's claims contact, but despite follow-ups, "George Link consistently reported that no claims had been lodged."

Edwards added that because the incident was caused by a criminal act, the insurers found no municipal liability. The affected passengers were informed of this outcome.

No claims submitted directly
"The municipality has not received any formal correspondence or claims from the affected passengers regarding this matter. All passengers were provided with the relevant Go George and George Link contact details at the time of the incident, should they have wished to follow up," Edwards said.

The window next to where Meiring was sitting when the bomb was thrown at the bus.Previous articles: