The MEC for Transport Community Safety and Liaison, Mr. Mxolisi Kaunda, received with shock the news of a crash that claimed eight (8) lives on the N2 near Umzumbe in the South Coast early yesterday evening (21 January 2018).
Preliminary reports reveal that a VW Golf carrying eight (8) passengers (four children and four adults) collided head-on with a bakkie, leaving all eight occupants dead upon impact.
The driver of the bakkie escaped the crash unharmed, but was found to have consumed alcohol exceeding the legal limit. He was apprehended on scene and taken to Hibberdene SAPS where appropriate charges will be drawn against him. MEC Kaunda has instructed a team of forensic experts to fast-track investigations into the real cause of this horrendous crash.
MEC Kaunda expressed his dismay towards lawlessness on the roads, which leads to innocent lives being lost.
“It is always worrying to experience a loss of so many lives in one crash. It is mostly disturbing to note that four of the deceased are children whose future has been robbed due to negligence and lawlessness. Our law enforcement agencies have been working around the clock prior to and during the festive season hype, and this was done to save lives and to deal with lawbreakers. Our road safety educational programmes were vigorously rolled out to advocate for safer roads. It is clear that we have to redouble our efforts to change people’s mindsets on road safety and respect for road traffic rules and signs.”
Kaunda decried continued disregard for life shown by drivers who drink and drive and those speed above regulated limits.
“On behalf of the Provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal, we wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased,” said Kaunda.
Kaunda has vehemently expressed his view that all motorists whose negligence results in the loss of lives to be charged with murder instead of culpable homicide.
Pending the outcome of the investigation and the identification of the deceased, Kaunda is expected to visit the families of those who died in this crash.
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