A passenger in his early 30’s died and 15 other road users were injured after a bakkie overturned on the N14 between Ventersdorp and Coligny in the North West on Friday night.
It is suspected that the accident occurred about five kilometres outside Ventersdorp towards Coligny at around 8:00 pm was caused by speeding, fatigue and overloading. The driver of the Mahindra bakkie allegedly lost control of the vehicle and it overturned. The male passenger died at the scene of the accident while 10 passengers including the driver sustained serious injuries in the accident.
Five other passengers were also slightly injured. Police are investigating cases of culpable homicide, reckless and or negligent driving.
In conveying condolences to the family of the passenger who died in the accident and wishing the injured a speedy recovery, North West Acting MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Dr Magome Masike expressed concern about illegal transportation of passengers in bakkies and related overloading.
MEC Masike vowed that provincial traffic authorities would exercise zero tolerance on this phenomenon ahead of expected increased traffic volumes on Sunday as people travel back home from their holidays. Masike warned that to safe lives, overloaded passengers would be offloaded.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
