Traffic calming measures finally installed on fatal K111

Traffic calming measures have finally been installed on the deadly provincial K111 road following a two-day protest by residents of Themba Khoza informal settlement.

The residents of the informal settlement near Republic Road and Angel Fish Drive in Kaalfontein started protesting on 26 January. They barricaded the K111 with stones and burnt tyres, demanding calming measures be put in place on the deadly road that has claimed many lives over the past 10 years.

The MMC for Public Safety and the political head for Region A, Michael Sun visited the area on the morning of 27 January to address about 300 protesters who were adamant about blocking the road until action was taken by the relevant authorities.

Sun said he was informed by the region’s director, Abigail Ndlovu about the protest and was further given a brief of the situation by Ward 111 councillor, Raisibe Matsemela and the PR councillor, Julie Suddaby.

“When I arrived at the scene about 300 protesters had already gathered. I saw a road blocked with rocks and burning tyres. After being briefed I requested to speak to the protesters. I explained to them that the provincial road they had blocked did not form part of the City of Johannesburg’s competency but that was no excuse for the City’s government not to do anything,” said Sun.

Following the visit by Sun and regional officials, workers initially laid down speed calming strips which are now being converted into speed bumps. They also painted three-way stop sign road markings at the intersection of Republic Road and Angel Fish Drive and erected a visible ‘High Accident Zone’ road sign.

“After hearing their plight, I requested [that] Metro police step up patrols and clamp down hard on any dangerous driving. I also promised that I would engage and ensure that the relevant provincial department would put in urgent measures to address the problem immediately. I also want to [express] my appreciation to the Gauteng Provincial government for heeding to my call and making things happen,” added Sun.

However, these measures came at a deadly price for the community. Two days before the protest, a six-year-old girl was knocked down by a car, and a 39-year-old man was killed on the same road on 25 January. Both victims died in the hit-and-run incidents.

Many other accidents have occurred on the road, some claiming lives, others leaving people disabled and unemployed.

Iris Baloyi was hit by a car in April last year. Her leg was injured which resulted in her being crippled and losing her job. “I have four children I cannot fend for anymore because I left my piece job due to the injuries. We have been complaining about this road for a long time. It’s about time something is done,” she said.

In April last year, Iviwe Kamteni in Grade 1, was knocked down by a car on her way to school and spent weeks in intensive care. She sustained head injuries which left her with brain damage.

Three months later in July, Veli Apani was hit by an allegedly speeding vehicle which left his right leg crippled. Apani, who is an electrician by profession, said he could no longer go to work and take care of his family because of his injuries.

On 5 November last year, Solly Mabunda was hit by car that was overtaking, while returning from visiting his sister across the road. “I have been living here since 2008 and the casualties I have witnessed on this road are alarming. A few years ago, a taxi drove straight into my shack and nothing was done. A lot of people have died on this road, including children who were on their way to school. I am on crutches today and can’t walk properly because of the recklessness on this road,” he said.

Suddaby said she was pleased that the necessary measures were put in place. “How sad it was that so many people had to die over the last 14 years and that residents were forced to become determined and stubborn to safeguard their children before authorities heard their cry,” she concluded.

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