Highway unites to ban trucks on Fields Hill

Crowds of people gathered in Fields Hill to pray for the 22 people killed by a truck and to protest against trucks in Fields Hill.

September 17, 2013

Sanelisiwe Tsinde 1 minute read

Crowds of people paid their respect to 22 people that were killed in Fields Hill.

HIGHWAY communities gathered in the prayer and protest to ban trucks from using Fields Hill on Saturday after a truck killed 22 people on Thursday 5 September.

Video by CN&N and SACAN

More than 500 people peacefully protested at the scene of the accident carrying banners and there was a moment of silence as Rev Jean Smith prayed for the deceased, their families, survivors and the truck driver, Sanele May.

Concerned community members and taxi drivers who use Fields Hill route everyday said they came to the protest so that accidents like these never happen again.

Dennis Shozi and Charmaine Sanclair at a prayer that was held for 22 people killed by a truck in Fields Hill.

The protest was also attended by sympathizers of the truck driver including Thulani Sosibo who’s believed to have started the Facebook page Sanele May Support Group where people can post their views and messages of support.

Sosibo said the reason for this page is to give emotional support to not only the truck driver, but also the families of the deceased.

“I really felt bad when I saw him break down in court, he must know that the world is not against him and it’s not fair that he has to stand trial on his own, the company should also face the law.

DA councillors Rick Crouch and Tim Brauteseth who organised the march said they will not rest until Fields Hill is safe again.

Rosemary Blazeby, Liesl Krull, Liesel and Klaus Schimer.

Brauteseth said he would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to all the residents who attended the prayer service and peaceful demonstration despite the emotions that are running highly at the moment.

“We must continue to fight in the name of families who are burying their loved ones today.

“Many people were involved in the success of this event.

Councillor Rick Crouch thanked all the volunteers from the Fields Hill accident Facebook group who organised the posters and petitions, as well as Print Expression for all the free printing.

“Thanks to Andreas Mathios and Corne and many other neighbourhood watches for their help. Thanks to all the paramedics and members of the SAPS and Metro Police watching us this morning,” said Brauteseth.