Eight lives were lost in five separate accidents that happened over the last 48 hours in various roads in Mpumalanga. Two people died when a BMW sedan slammed into them while they were reportedly pushing their golf sedan out of the way due to mechanical failure on R568 road between KwaMhlanga and Vaalbank around 23h00 yesterday evening.
Three more people died on N11 road between Amersfoort and Volksrust around 02h00 today (31 March 2013). The accident happened when a BMW driver was overtaking another sedan before colliding head on with a Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV bakkie). Three occupants in a bakkie who were sitting in front, including the driver, died on the scene.
Other three occupants at the back of the bakkie sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Volksrust Hospital. The driver of a BMW has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide. He remains in police custody.
In another incident, one person died when a sedan driver lost control of his vehicle before it overturned near Reckland Farm towards on R40 Road between Nelspruit and Hazyview at about 06h40 this morning. The driver and two other passengers were seriously injured and they were rushed nearby hospital. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated.
In another two separate accidents around Masoyi and Makoko near Hazyview. One passenger died when two sedans collided on R538 road around Masoyi. A pedestrian was also killed by a sedan on D1411 road in Makoko.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has also expressed his happiness over the current operations as the traffic officials in the province have been able to stop 16 245 vehicles over the last 72 hours. 3483 notices were also issued to drivers for various offences, 134 vehicles were also discontinued and 49 vehicles were impounded for being unroadworthy. 69 drivers have been arrested for drunken driving since the Thursday.
The MEC has also called for increased vigilance on the part of the motorists to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely.
The ongoing operations are part of the department’s traffic law enforcement activities this Easter weekend. Roadblocks and rest stops are staged in different routes of the province and are expected to continue throughout this weekend.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
