Mpumalanga has so far recorded less road accidents during this festive season as compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of December 2012, the province has recorded 426 accidents as compared to 452 in 2011. Meanwhile fatalities have also been reduced from last year’s 118 to 102 this year. Serious injuries have also been reduced by 91.
43 accidents have been recorded in Gert Sibande region, followed by Nkangala Region with 31 and Ehlanzeni Region with 28.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe said although there has been a reduction in this year’s numbers so far, a lot still needed to be done to reduce road accidents and fatalities in this country.
He has also concurred with the National Transport Minister Ben Dikobe Martin’s call that road users must prioritize life more than convenience when on the road.
“Our roads users need to begin valuing life even more while they are driving. We need to learn to be more tolerant to one another and stop breaking the law needlessly.
Government alone cannot win the war on road carnage, we all need to come to the party especially the road users,” Shongwe said.
Meanwhile Shongwe led a road block yesterday (27 December 2012) on N2 Road between Piet Retief and Ermelo which saw over 330 vehicles stopped. During the operation 109 fines were issued for various traffic offences. 27 vehicles were taken of the road for not being road worthy. One person was arrested and charged with fraud for being in possession of falsified documents. The suspect will appear in the Piet Retief Magistrate soon.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
