Six are burnt beyond recognition
Six people were burnt beyond recognition on Monday night
MALALANE – Six people were burnt beyond recognition on Monday night when they were involved in an accident, between Malalane and Hectorspruit on the N4.
The head-on collision occurred at about 23:30 near Uhlala Game Lodge. A Toyota minibus taxi with 14 occupants, travelling in Mozambique’s direction, collided with an oncoming Ford bakkie with only one occupant. A preliminary investigation suggested that the bakkie swerved into the lane of the taxi just before impact.
Paramedics, rescue workers and traffic and police officials were summoned to the scene. Six people were declared dead on the scene. Three more passengers of the taxi with serious injuries were taken to a nearby hospital, one of them the driver of the taxi. The driver of the Ford also sustained serious injuries. Five other occupants of the taxi only suffered minor injuries. All were taken to Shongwe Hospital.
Crates of alcohol bottles were found on the scene. MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, said drivers’ behaviour has always been the most common factor leading to crashes. “We cannot always have traffic officers on all corners of the road to monitor traffic. Drivers need to always practice vigilance and have a good attitude when on the road. As we approach the festive season, law enforcement will be increased in all parts of the province and we will severely deal with those who continuously break the law,” Shongwe said.
He furthermore sent his condolences to the families of the deceased, and also wished the injured a speedy recovery. Malalane police spokesman, Sgt Bheki Nkosi, said a case of capable homicide had been opened and was being investigated.
