Mpumanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie has reiterated his call to motorists to use the road with greater caution and also obey the rules amid the increasing number of fatalities on the road.
The MEC was reacting to a fatal crash involving a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and an articulated truck on R35 between Bethal and Middelburg on Friday night.
Three people, including a toddler, perished at the scene on impact. Three other people sustained serious injuries while two occupants were slightly injured. The injured people are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital in Middelburg.
Earlier indications are that one of the drivers may have entered R35 when it was not safe to do so.
"We remain undeterred to enforce the law on roads in order to prevent needless loss of lives from road crashes. However, the behavior of some motorists remains a huge concern to us judging by the recent fatal crashes we have recorded since Thursday. We will continue to ensure heightened law enforcement visibility on all priority routes in the province," Macie says.
He is also appealing to those who will be travelling to prioritize their safety and that of other road users by not driving in a reckless and negligent manner.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.