EC Authorities Alarmed by Sharp Rise in Road Fatalitie
JOHANNESBURG – Authorities in the EC (Eastern Cape) are sounding the alarm over the growing number of fatal road crashes in the province, as recent deadly incidents underscore long-standing concerns around road safety, infrastructure, and driver behaviour.
The latest in a string of tragedies occurred on Saturday, when a head-on collision between two vehicles on the R102 between Humansdorp and Tsitsikama claimed the life of a driver. The EC Transport Department has since opened a case of culpable homicide and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
According to department spokesperson Makhaya Komisa, the crash involved an NP200 bakkie and a grey Suzuki seven-seater. “The NP200 bakkie, which belonged to a construction company, was travelling toward Humansdorp. The Suzuki was headed in the direction of Tsitsikama when the collision occurred,” said Komisa.
Two additional individuals sustained injuries in the crash and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. While emergency services were quick to respond, the severity of the incident has reignited public concern about the state of road safety.
In a separate incident reported over the same weekend, two more lives were lost in another fatal crash, prompting the department to open a second culpable homicide case. The accident occurred near Jeffreys Bay and involved a Toyota Fortuner. Komisa confirmed that the driver of the Fortuner is among the injured, and the Jeffreys Bay South African Police Service (SAPS) is now investigating the case further.
The EC has consistently ranked among the provinces with the highest road death tolls in the country, particularly during peak travel seasons. Transport officials cite a range of factors contributing to the grim statistics—reckless driving, speeding, fatigue, and unroadworthy vehicles being chief among them.
“These back-to-back tragedies reflect a broader systemic issue that needs urgent attention,” said Komisa. “The EC Transport Department is committed to taking a multi-pronged approach that includes increased law enforcement, better signage and road maintenance, and sustained public education campaigns to change driver attitudes.”
In addition to these efforts, the department is planning a targeted enforcement campaign along notorious accident hotspots such as the R102, N2, and other provincial roads where traffic volumes are high and conditions are hazardous.
Officials say that public cooperation is essential if meaningful change is to be achieved. “We urge all road users in the EC to prioritise safety, obey traffic laws, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy,” Komisa stressed. “Every decision made behind the wheel has consequences—not only for the driver but for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.”
EC Road Fatalities Spark Growing Concern Among Authorities
Community leaders and civil society organisations have echoed these calls, pointing to long-standing infrastructure deficits and limited access to road safety resources, especially in rural areas. They argue that while enforcement is critical, the provincial government must also invest in more durable road repairs, better lighting, and clearer signage to reduce the risk of accidents.
The deaths have left local communities reeling, with families mourning loved ones and demanding accountability. In Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay, residents have gathered in informal vigils, placing flowers near the crash sites and calling for the provincial government to act before more lives are lost.
“Too many families are burying their loved ones due to preventable accidents,” said one community organiser. “We need more than just condolences—we need action.”
As investigations continue into both collisions, the EC Transport Department has pledged full transparency and cooperation with law enforcement. Post-crash assessments are underway to identify any lapses in safety measures that may have contributed to the fatal outcomes.
With the holiday season approaching, traffic volumes are expected to rise significantly, placing even more pressure on the region’s already stretched road infrastructure and emergency services. Authorities have warned that unless stricter enforcement and improved road user behaviour take hold, the province may see even more tragic losses in the months ahead.
Source- EWN
