A TOTAL of eight people died in a tragic accident that occurred on a KZN road.
This happened when a small car and a taxi were involved in a head-on collision.
Both vehicles caught fire after the crash at Wembezi Road near Estcourt, KZN, on Saturday, 29 October, killing eight people.
The taxi is believed to have been travelling from the Estcourt town to Wembezi township.
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, expressed sadness as road users continue to disregard traffic violations.Hlomuka said a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement is currently investigating the cause of the accident.
Cases of culpable homicide are also being investigated.
“Paramedics, the South African Police Services and Road Traffic Inspectorate worked until late to clear the scene. ,” he said.
Hlomuka called on all road users to respect the traffic laws, saying everyone has a duty to save lives on the road.
“This is yet another painful accident in the province.
“Sadly, this is happening as we are closing October Transport Month. The team of investigators is currently working on the details of what transpired during this tragic accident.We call on road users to take responsibility and save lives on the road.
“We also wish to send our heartfelt condolences to affected families,” said Hlomuka.
He said the department is going to give a full account of the October Transport Month Campaign, which was characterised by massive law enforcement operations and police visibility.
He said this campaign was mostly led by the members of the Provincial Executive Council, which is an indication that government is taking the issue of safety on the road seriously.
Hlomuka said government and other stakeholders will build from the successes of the October Transport Month to prepare for the festive season.
“This is no time to surrender or retreat. We will soldier on, encouraged by the progress we made during the October Transport Month Campaign. Ours is to make sure that we deliver a safer festive season period. All law enforcement agencies are joining hands to prepare for the festive season and take the fight against lawlessness to another level. We want to make sure that people are safe in communities and on the road,” he said.
KZN police spokeswoman Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that cases of culpable homicide were opened at Estcourt cop shop for investigation. Ngcobo said this follows an accident that occurred on 29 October at 8pm near Estcourt where eight people were declared dead on the scene after a minibus taxi and a small car collided.
