Transport Minister Ms Dipuo Peters has ordered a high level investigation into the fatal crash that claimed 27 lives in Pinetown KwaZulu-Natal on the evening of Thursday, 5 September 2013.
The Minister received with great shock news of the horrific crash where close to 30 others sustained injuries ranging from critical, serious and minor.
Minister Peters says the Road Traffic Management Corporation must work with Provincial and local Traffic Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal and eThekwini respectively, and the South African Police Service to unearth the circumstances that led to this fatal crash.
She sends her sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and also wishes a speedy recovery, strength and resilience to those who survived.
She says the country is facing a serious challenge in the form of the road carnage that we continue to experience on our roads.
"We need all hands on deck to turn the tide against this massive challenge confronting us. It cannot be business as usual anymore. This is absolutely not normal," says Minister Peters.
The Minister says drastic action is required urgently to avoid a looming catastrophe that's already costing our economic at least R306 billion each year.
Greater attention needs to be paid to the policing of moving violations such as dangerous overtaking and general reckless and negligent driving.
"No traffic transgression, no matter how minor, should be left unpunished by law enforcement officers. Any officer who lets an offender pass without punishment is a potential murderer for his/her irresponsible action could cost lives," says Minister Peters.
The Minister believes vigilant and uncompromising enforcement is central to the fight against road carnage.
"Our department is currently in the process of reviewing several areas of the National Road Traffic Act to ensure that our laws punish without fear or favour those who are hell-bent on undermining every rule of the road under the sun.
Penalties imposed on offenders should also serve as deterrents to other road users," says Minister Peters.
The Minister reiterated her call for the private sector and civil society organisations to join hands with government to hatch lasting solutions to this problem.
Minister Peters will visit eThekwini on Friday 6 September 2013 to ascertain and assess the situation and offer support to the bereaved families and those who sustained injuries.
For more information contact:
Tiyani Rikhoto
Cell: 083 570 1275
