Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has requested officials from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to provide all the necessary assistance to the families of those killed and injured in two road crashes which claimed 27 lives in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal yesterday (Saturday, 18).
Officials from the RAF have been dispatched to provide all the necessary post-accident assistance to the families of two horrific crashes which claimed 27 lives in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal yesterday. As government, we will do everything possible to assist the affected families during their time of pain and grief," said Minister Ndebele.
Yesterday, five people were killed and several others injured in a multiple vehicle collision on the N2 near Clare Road Bridge in KwaZulu-Natal.
Also yesterday, twenty two (22) people were killed and four others injured in a head-on collision between a mini-bus taxi and a truck on the N1 between Laingsburg and Beaufort West during the early hours of this morning.
The Department of Transport, through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has dispatched an independent team of accident investigation and reconstruction specialists to assist in the investigation of these crashes.
"We want to convey our condolences to the families and friends of those killed in these road crashes. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families during these difficult moments.
"As of 1 October 2010, we will be implementing the new National Traffic Law Enforcement Plan, which will see traffic law enforcement officers stopping and checking no less than one million vehicles and drivers every month across South Africa. Special focus areas include driver fitness (legal documentation, drinking and driving and substance abuse), moving violations (barrier lines, red robots, cellphones, speeding, seatbelts, reckless and negligent driving), public transport vehicles (buses and taxis), vehicles fitness (roadworthiness) and pedestrian safety (drinking and walking). Key objectives include reducing road crashes, fatalities and serious injures and changing the perception of road users from 'I will not get caught' to "I will be caught and punished.'
"Road Safety is Everybody's Business. Let us turn islands of compliance and excellence into a sea of change, a new culture, a new wave of good behaviour and commitment to safer roads in our country. Working together, we can stop this carnage!" said Minister Ndebele.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
