President Jacob Zuma has expressed sadness and extended his condolences to the families following the horrific and painful loss of 26 people who perished in various road crashes in some parts of the country at the weekend.
The road carnage includes a horrific crash that occurred on Sunday, 20 August 2017, in KwaXimba, near Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal which left 19 people dead and in Mookgophong in Waterberg in the Limpopo province which claimed seven lives.
“We are saddened beyond words. It cannot be accepted that we lose so many of our people in such a horrific manner. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to families and relatives of all the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult period. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery," said President Zuma.
The President added; "We further call on all road users in the country to adhere to the rules of the road to avoid these unnecessary road carnages and loss of lives. Government, working together with law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders, will intensify its programmes and efforts aimed at decreasing road crashes and ensuring that those who disobey the rules and regulations on our roads are punished severely by the law,” the President added.
In the first incident in KwaXimba, a driver of a minibus taxi reportedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed off the bridge and plunged 15 metres down to an embankment. The accident claimed 19 lives and left seven people seriously injured.
On the N1 near Mokopane in Limpopo, a reported collision between two vehicles killed seven people and left two severely injured, including a five-year old child.
President Zuma also appealed to members of the community to support law enforcement authorities in preventing and curbing fatalities on the roads by reporting to the authorities all bad drivers and those who break the rules of the road.
Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za
