Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison Pat Ngomane has sent condolences to the bereaved families and friends of the people who died during the past weekend due to road crashes that occurred in the province. The MEC is also extremely shocked about the huge number of the deaths in one weekend.
Ngomane has also condemned negligence and reckless driving by some drivers which has a negative impact on road safety efforts of government. This comes after the province recorded 16 road fatalities in only one weekend [Between 11 and 12 February 2017] in four separate crashes in Nkomazi Local Municipality.
One of the crashes occurred on R570 Road at Jepees Reef Bridge when two sedans collided head on Sunday [12 February 2017]. Seven occupants were killed instantly including the two drivers of both vehicles and the five passengers.
One of the vehicles was overloaded with passengers meaning the other driver was driving alone. One passenger sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Shongwe Hospital in Schoemansdal.
Three people [driver and two pedestrians] were killed on D797 Road in Kwamhlushwa on Sunday [12 February 2017] at about 18:58. This accident occurred after a sedan hit the two pedestrians who died on spot. The driver of the vehicle that hit them also died on the scene.
On the same day [12 February 2017] at about 21:30 evening a pedestrian was killed after he was hit by a mini-bus taxi on the N4 Toll Road in Kaapmuiden near the Malelane.
On D2683 Road near Hectorspruit five people lost their lives after the vehicle they were travelling with lost control and overturned before hitting a tree at about 9:00 am on Saturday [11 February 2017].
The MEC has also wished a speedy recovery to all the people who sustained injuries and are still receiving medical attention. Ngomane however says that traffic officers must be alert and always maintain visibility while dealing with those who break the law. “As much as we try to improve our law enforcement operations and road safety to prevent road crashes and loss of lives, road users must remain key in ensuring road safety by practicing caution and obeying road rules at all times,” said Ngomane.
Meanwhile three drivers were arrested for speeding at different zones. One of the drivers was caught driving 165km per hour in a 100km per hour zone on N4C Toll Road near Matsulu. Another suspect was arrested for driving 156km per hour in a 100km per hour zone around the same area. Another culprit was brought to book on N4 Toll Road near Ngodwana for driving 161km per hour at a 100km zone.
The MEC has applauded the law enforcers for clamping down on the suspects saying that speeding was one of the factors that contribute highly to these deadly road.crashes.
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Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Mobile: 082 678 1450
E-mail: emabuza@mpg.gov.za