The lone survivor, an eight-year-old girl, was airlifted to the hospital but suffered no serious injuries, according to a transport ministry press official.
Police said they were investigating a case of culpable murder, with the motive among those killed after allegedly tearing down and crossing barriers on a bridge in a mountainous area near Mamatlakala, 300 kilometers (190 miles) north of Johannesburg.
The bus fell 50 meters (164 feet) into a ravine and burst into flames.
The bus on its way from neighboring Botswana to Moria, a city in the northern province of Limpopo that hosts a popular Easter festival. Easter Sunday falls this year on March 31.
South African police proved that 15 men and 31 on board were Botswana nationals.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga visited the crash site and promised a thorough investigation.
“We need to express our deepest condolences to the families, but also to the government of Botswana and the rest of the people of Botswana, and as South Africa, we will do everything we can to help them return to their country and get their families back. Buried. . . with dignity,” he told national broadcaster SABC.
The press officer for the Ministry of Maritime Transport, Vongani Chauke, told AFP news agency that relatives “came to the country to stop at the survivor’s house. “
“She is fine, receiving medical attention and has no serious injuries,” he said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his condolences to Botswana and pledged his support, he said in a statement.
Search operations continued at the scene, but many bodies were burned beyond their popularity and were still trapped in the vehicle.
While South Africa has one of the most evolved road networks on the African continent, it also has one of the worst protection records.
Hours before the crash, Ramaphosa had asked South Africans to exercise caution when traveling during the Easter holidays.
“Let’s do everything we can to make Holy Week safe. Easter doesn’t have to be a time when we go back and wait to see the statistics about tragedies or injuries on our roads,” he said in a statement.
Estonian President Alar Karis addressed X to offer his “sincere condolences” to Masisi, adding that he was “deeply saddened by the news. “
The Turkish embassy in Gaborone said in the X that “its thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy. “