Officials call on motorists to drive more responsibly at mass funeral for N4 crash victims
Eight of the 12 Nkomazi residents who died in a crash near Matsulu on October 26 were laid to rest last Saturday.
MZINTI – Government officials urged motorists to adhere to the law and called for stricter punishments for transgressors during the mass funeral service for eight Nkomazi residents who were killed in a crash on the N4 on October 26.
In total 15 people were killed: Ezekiel Khoza (49), Athalia Xaba (40), Xolile Shungube (37), Adam Khoza (26), December Mkhatshwa (32), Adolph Matikwane (22), Vusi Zikhali (45), Tumelo Mbandzeni (38), Samkelisiwe Masilela (30), Sunday Khoza (46), Theodora Mhlabane (25), Bhekumusa Nsibande (33), Cedrick Theko (38), Deborah Skhosana (23) and Nonhlanhla Cinisile Dlamini (29).
Moses Makamo (34) was accused of allegedly causing the accident and was charged with culpable homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol.
He appeared in the Matsulu Magistrate’s Court on October 29 and was granted R2 000 bail. His next court appearance is on November 29.
It is believed that Makamo was driving in the direction of Malalane, when he attempted to overtake a truck. He tried to get back into his lane, side-swiped the truck and lost control of the vehicle. It hit another oncoming truck, which jackknifed.
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A midibus behind Makamo swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid him and crashed head-on into another approaching truck.
Government assisted the families with a mass memorial service on Thursday and funeral service on Saturday morning. Both were held at the Holiness Union Church.
Speaking at the funeral service, the MEC for community safety, security and liason. Pat Ngomane, said that most of the road accidents involved young people who were still inexperienced drivers and had bought fast cars.
“These accidents ensue during the wee hours and the culprits are found to be driving after consuming alcohol,” he said, urging young people to have fun without alcohol or driving under the influence.
Deputy minister of transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, cautioned motorists to stop speeding. “Seventy-five per cent of males die in road crashes in South Africa and private cars are involved 48 per cent of the time. Most national roads are beautiful compared with small roads, which have potholes that might cause accidents, but national roads still claim many lives due to bad driver behaviour,” she said.
READ: Motorists across Nkomazi urged to slow down
Motorists were cautioned against using cellphones and texting while driving.
Chikunga also appealed to victims and survivors of road accidents to claim directly from the Road Accident Fund and not through unscrupulous lawyers, who are only interested in getting money from claimants.
READ: Steps to claiming from the Road Accident Fund
Speaking on behalf of the premier, the MEC for culture, sports and recreation, Thandi Shongwe, called for harsher punishment for traffic violations in order to stop reckless drivers.
After the funeral service, families buried their loved ones in their respective villages. Separate funeral services were held for the other victims throughout last week.
