The Eastern Cape government will finance the funeral costs for the 20 people who perished in Tuesday's horror crash. Two minibus taxis and a stationary truck were involved in the crash on the N1 between Lainsburg and Beaufort West.
Addressing the families of 17 of the victims in Alice today, Eastern Cape Transport MEC Thandiswa Marawu warned motorists to be serious in observing the road speed limit especially during the coming festive season.
Marawu warned that an increased visibility of traffic officials on the province's roads will be implemented to curb future accidents of this nature. She added that the government will be assisting the families with transport and funeral arrangements and will also be providing counseling for the bereaved.
The owner of one of the taxis, Boni Bokwe says compensation will be paid to stricken families. "The vehicle was insured with passenger liability so all the passengers that were injured or deceased will be covered by passenger liability. I will communicate with the insurer to release the funds to the bereaved as soon as possible," explained Bokwe.
The news was a little relief to those who have lost loved ones. One of the victim's sister, Kholeka Nkwalaza, says her family is very sad as her brother was the bread winner and had a wife and children but she added that the help from the government to bury her brother was mostly welcomed because they have nothing.
I think that the limit of 100km for these vehicles which are heavily loaded is too high
Meanwhile, Western Cape Transport MEC Robin Carlisle says that courts are not strict enough with drivers involved in serious accidents who have been found guilty. He says they are considering installing more cameras along major routes into Cape Town and reducing speed limits.
"I think that the limit of 100 kilometers an hour for these vehicles which are heavily loaded is too high. We willl speak to some experts but I think it should come to 80 kilometers an hour," added Carlisle.
The MEC also berated courts for light sentences imposed on serious road offenders.
