The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, has called on traffic law enforcement agencies to speed up the investigation into a fatal crash that claimed the lives of eight (8) people in uMzimkhulu yesterday.
The horrific crash occurred along the R56 between Umzimkhulu and Rietvlei when a minibus taxi that was attempting to overtake subsequently collided with a bakkie.
Kaunda has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the 10 people who were injured a speedy recovery.
“We are saddened by this latest fatal crash, which again shows the damaging effect of drivers who disregard road traffic rules and signs. Our traffic team will investigate the exact causes of the crash, and ensure that we are all well informed of what transpired.”
“Meanwhile, the department’s officials are contacting the family members of the deceased so that we can begin to make necessary arrangements to provide the deceased with a dignified burial. Working with the Road Accident Fund, we will also visit those who were injured to ensure that they get necessary assistance,” said Kaunda.
The crash comes weeks after the province experienced another major crash that claimed the lives of eight (8) family members along the N3.
“These fatal crashes are a clear indication that we need to work harder to change the behaviour of our road users, especially drivers. Despite this tragic crash, we are optimistic that the province is turning the corner in terms of reducing major road crashes,” said Kaunda.
During the festive season, KwaZulu-Natal recorded five major crashes. These are fatal crashes that claimed lives of more than three people. Kaunda called on all stakeholders involved in road safety to work together to fight the scourge of road crashes just like they did during the festive season which resulted in the province recording a 10 percent reduction in both road crashes and fatalities.
“In this regard, we have already begun to engage magistrates and prosecutors to sensitise them about the importance of imposing harsher sentences on negligent drivers. We are also persuading them to classify road traffic offences as schedule five cases,” said Kaunda.