Eleven people were killed in a road crash involving a mini-bus taxi in KwaZulu-Natal earlier today Thursday, 16 December 2010.
According to KwaZulu-Natal traffic authorities, the driver of the mini-bus taxi lost control of his vehicle and the vehicle overturned on the R34 near Utrecht. Eleven people were killed and several others sustained multiple injuries.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has conveyed condolences to the families of those killed. “We want to express our condolences to the families and relatives of all those killed in road crashes since the start of the festive season, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery. More than three million vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked and more than a million fines issued for various traffic offences across South Africa since October 2010. We want to repeat our warning that as we head towards the New Year, traffic law enforcement will be intensified and absolutely no mercy will be shown to traffic offenders.
“As part of the new National Rolling Enforcement Plan, there are dedicated enforcement operations targeting public transport vehicles such as buses and mini-bus taxis. These operations include special blitzes at depots and ranks to ensure vehicle and driver fitness even before buses and taxis depart for their destinations. Through Operation HLOKOMELA, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) leadership themselves are ensuring that their drivers and operators adhere to road rules. We call upon the public to report bad driving, overloading and bad behaviour in the taxi industry to the HLOKOMELA Call Centre on 0860 726 822,” Minister Ndebele said.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
