"The record we have set ourselves for hosting six safe sporting and incident free international matches at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, has exposed the cynicism of those who predicted high levels of crime and acts of terrorism. Thanks to the dedications of our integrated teams, we were tested and proved second to none in terms of implementation of our plans," said the overjoyed MEC Yawa.
Yawa appealed for the spirit of ubuntu and humility that was extended to tourists to be a permanent feature for the province to remain the preferred destination for tourists and for motorists to share the road responsibly with other road users. Though 11 accidents, five with no injuries, four with minor injuries and two with serious injuries were reported during the USA-Ghana match played on Saturday, no fatal accidents were reported.
A pedestrian was seriously injured and taken to Ferndale Hospital by ambulance after he was hit by a Toyota taxi at the Rustenburg taxi rank at 6h50. A Jeep Cherokee also collided head-on with a Ford Bantam bakkie at 8h00 near Cynthia Hotel on the R24 between Rustenburg and Krugersdorp The driver and passenger in the Bantam were trapped inside their vehicle and had to be cut out of the wreckage by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Both were seriously injured, although their conditions were not critical according to EMS, and they were taken to hospital.
Traffic on the N4 towards Pretoria after the match was very slow, for no apparent reason, as vehicles were driving at low speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Traffic officers attempted to assist by diverting traffic to use the emergency lane; this solved serious congestion at the Rustenburg Kloof – N4 on-ramp and other choke points along the route.
Some congestion was also experienced at the Marikina and Brits toll gates, although it never became a critical concern.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-Mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
