Gauteng MEC Nkosi-Malobane concerned about road fatalities ahead of the festive season
JOBURG – The preliminary investigation suggests that the truck driver stopped to inspect the safety of the load and seconds later a mini bus taxi rammed into its back killing four women and two men.
The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, has expressed concern about the safety of public transport commuters following a minibus accident on the N3 South near the Heidelberg Road on-ramp which left six people dead and 10 injured on Monday, 5 November.
#FM54 N3s Heidelberg Rd R554
+-16h00.Allegedly Articulated MV stopped on "island" dividing Onramp with 2 right lanes. Taxi crashed into right rear, ripped apart. 6 P4 on scene. Reopened +-21:20 Tx all Roleplayers esp @City_Ekurhuleni EMPD EMS, GPEMS, GTP, SAPS, FPS @itrafficgp pic.twitter.com/361P6mNesA— GTP Gauteng Traffic Police (@GTP_Traffstats) November 5, 2018
The preliminary investigation suggests that the truck driver stopped to inspect the safety of the load and seconds later a minibus taxi rammed into its back killing four women and two men.
Ten injured passengers were transported to various hospitals for medical attention.
“I am deeply concerned about this accident which has left the six families poor because they have lost their loved ones,” Nkosi-Malobane said in a statement released by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
“It is also more concerning as it happened ahead of the festive season. This accident brings the safety of our public transport back in the spotlight.
“I would like to encourage public transport operators to, at all times, make the lives of their commuters a priority by ensuring that their vehicles are roadworthy, their drivers are fit to drive and they comply with the rules of the road.”
Nkosi-Malobane concluded, “On behalf of the provincial government I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.”
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Here are some tweets to think about and remember as you make any trips on South African roads no matter the season:
When YOU see this, move over. Emergency 🚨 vehicles have right of way, give them room to work #JoburgBylaws ^NS pic.twitter.com/ZWGYvrGGTP
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) November 7, 2018
Did you know? It takes 4 seconds to read a text on your phone, and another 5 to reply. That’s a total 9 seconds in which anything can happen. Don't be another statistic. Keep your 👀 on the road and park your phone. #AAParkYourPhone #AARoadSafety pic.twitter.com/rsav8zyeni
— AA South Africa (@AASouthAfrica) November 6, 2018
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