Operation Dudula rejects RAF payouts for ‘illegal immigrants’ in N1 fatal bus crash

Operation Dudula has rejected and condemned suggestions that passengers without legal immigration status could be eligible for compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) following a recent bus accident involving travellers from Gqeberha to Zimbabwe.

Forty three people, 43 lost their lives in a bus accident on the N1 near Louis Trichardt.

The bus, travelling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe, was carrying 91 passengers when it veered off the Zoutpanesburg mountain on Sunday.

Operation Dudula criticised RAF spokesperson McIntosh Polela for implying that undocumented immigrants injured in the crash might qualify for compensation. The organisation said such a move would be “unacceptable, unconstitutional, and an insult to South African taxpayers.”

“The RAF is funded by South Africans to compensate lawful residents and citizens who contribute to the system,” Operation Dudula said. 

“It is therefore unacceptable that those who have entered our borders unlawfully, and are now linked to smuggling and theft of public medical supplies, should benefit from the same fund meant to protect South Africans.”

It also emphasised that the bus was overloaded with 91 passengers and found carrying stolen antiretroviral medication and other medical supplies. 

Operation Dudula described the incident as a reflection of “deepening lawlessness” linked to illegal immigration and cross-border criminal networks.

It argued that offering RAF compensation to undocumented immigrants would amount to rewarding illegal entry and criminal conduct, setting a dangerous precedent that undermines fairness and legality. 

The organisation called for stronger law enforcement against those responsible for smuggling, theft, and illegal transport operations.

It further urged the South African government to tighten border controls, verify identities, and ensure that public resources and funds are not misused by foreign nationals who violate immigration and criminal laws.

The organisation also appealed to the RAF, the Department of Transport, and the Department of Home Affairs to “act responsibly and in the national interest,” warning that the country cannot continue to bear the financial and social burden of compensating individuals who have no legal right to be in South Africa.

“South Africans first always,” it said.