Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Vusi Shongwe has sent condolences to the families of five people who died in an accident that happened between Kamagugu and Karino road towards Kanyamazane, 12 km east of Nelspruit.
The accident happened on Friday, 30 March 2011 around 12h00 when an Opel Corsa sedan and a mini-bus taxi collided head on. Two of the five who died were from the Opel Corsa while the three where passengers in a mini-bus taxi. Eight of the passengers who were seriously injured were transported to a nearby hospital. Shongwe has also wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.
The accident happened few hours after the MEC’s launching of Sekwanele Bopha Easter Arrive Alive Campaign at Mbombela stadium outside Nelspruit.
During the launch the MEC has called on law enforcement agencies not to spare any mercy for those who will be breaking the law during these holidays.
Shongwe said that the department remains highly concerned about the number of accidents that usually characterises this season hence the officers will be deployed on every road including in the townships.
The MEC also lambasted parents who in the townships allow under age and unlicensed children to drive their vehicles.
“All our officers will be on the road, even in the townships where irresponsible and reckless driving also takes place,” the MEC said.
He also said as part of changing driver behaviour, the department will roll out programmes to educate people as part of changing behaviour. He said the department will work closely with the Department of Education to provide licenses at certain grades.
Shongwe said that during these holidays more focus should also be placed on public modes of transport such as taxis, busses and light delivery vehicles (LDVs) as they carry large number of passengers at a time.
Speaking at the same function, Mbombela Mayor, Coucillor Cathy Dlamini has said that municipalities needed to play a role in reducing road accidents.
The Mayor said some accidents are caused by things like poor road signage, pot holes and other poor road conditions.
She said that Mbombela Municipality, as part of contributing to road safety, would speed up the process on road markings and all old road markings will be replaced.
Dlamini also added that roads in the city as well as areas outside the city will be dealt with in terms re-gravelling.
She also announced that her municipality will soon train 67 new traffic officers as part its effort to assist the department to enforce the law and curb road carnage.
Easter arrive alive campaign is part of government’s effort to reduce road accidents, non-compliance with traffic rules and regulations and heighten awareness about road safety.
The campaign will run from the 2 to 15 April where the department will conduct road blocks, rest stops and road shows to assist in raising awareness on road safety in order to reduce accidents on the roads during the season and beyond.
The theme for this year arrive alive Easter campaign is “I can, you can, we can.”
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
