Sixty60 driver dies in head-on collision

Yet another life was tragically lost in a head-on collision on Friday, April 26, along the R101 road. Given Mabiletsi (36), a driver for Checkers Sixty60, was pronounced dead at the scene after his motorbike was struck by a vehicle overtaking another car.

The emergency services and South African Police Service were deployed promptly to the scene. Traffic officers closed the R101 road and relayed traffic to the N1 while the scene was cleared.

The driver, who resides in Akasia in Pretoria cannot be named until he appeared in court, has been charged with alleged drunken driving and culpable homicide, and was scheduled to appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate Court on Monday, April 29.

Sibusiso Malupi, Fresh Foods Manager at Checkers, recounted to Die Pos that upon arrival shortly after 16:00, they were informed of Mabiletsi’s passing at the scene. “We’ve lost one of the most humble and exceptional individuals I’ve had the privilege to know. As a Checkers family, we’re simply in shock. It is a devastating blow,” expressed Sibusiso. Other staff members of Checkers sang Given’s praises and said he was a loyal friend and a trustworthy colleague. They were visibly saddened by his death.

On social media groups, various road users stated that the R101 road is dangerous and the new entrance to Bela-Bela Township has worsened the situation. Drivers do not adhere to any road signs. Speeding is one of the causes of the many accidents on this road. There was an outcry for traffic officers to be more visible and have a zero-tolerance approach to those who trespass.