Deadly start to the festive season for holidaymakers navigating South Africa’s roads
The festive season has gotten off to a deadly start on national roads despite the efforts of traffic officials to prevent this.
At least 14 people were killed and four others were injured in the Free State when two minibus taxis collided head-on.
In a separate crash in Mpumalanga, nine people died on the scene and 18 others were taken to hospital when the bakkie they were travelling in veered off the road before crashing.
The provincial government said the bakkie was overloaded with 27 passengers.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed his condolences to the families of those killed while urging the public to look out for one another on the roads.
During the previous festive season from 1 December 2020 to 11 January 2021 more than 1,450 people died on the country’s roads.
This equates to an average of around 34 road deaths a day.
CAUTION URGED IN WESTERN CAPE
Motorists heading in or out of the Western Cape have also been urged to be vigilant.
Traffic volumes have increased significantly, especially on the N1 near Beaufort West.
In anticipation of the expected influx of domestic tourists, provincial authorities have hired nearly 100 additional traffic officers.
Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Jandre Bakker said officers were encouraging long-distance drivers to take breaks during their journey.
ARRESTS FOR DRUNK DRIVING IN GAUTENG
In Gauteng, more than 30 Johannesburg motorists have been arrested for suspected drunk driving in the metro.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department said the suspects were handcuffed in the Johannesburg city centre, Sandton and Roodepoort on Friday.
On Thursday officers also arrested 44 others for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said, “A total of 34 drunken drivers were arrested in Johannesburg during drunk driving operations. Those arrested were detained at various police stations after blood samples were taken. Motorists are urged not to drink and drive this festive season.”
KWAZULU-NATAL RECORDING HIGH TRAFFIC VOLUMES
Meanwhile, traffic volumes have increased along Gauteng’s major routes.
Law enforcement officials have their hands full to ensure travellers reach their destinations safely.
The N3 toll route consortium said it had recorded higher volumes heading towards KwaZulu-Natal.
Operations Manager Thania Dhoogra said, “South-bound traffic headed into KwaZulu-Natal averaged approximately 1,300 vehicles per hour. This after two days of increased traffic with volumes reaching highs of up to 2,000 vehicles per hour.”
-EWN
In other news – She once stole someone’s husband – Sithelo Shozi shamed after Andile Mpisane dumps her
Drama after drama in Mzansi! Just last month Andile Mpisane was luxury car shopping for his baby mama Sithelo Shozi. Today, however, he is married to another woman; Tamia Louw.
The 20-year-old rapper and soccer club owner shocked fans after he married his new girlfriend out of the blue. Fans were left scratching their heads as to what could have transpired in a month since we last saw the son of Shauwn Mpisane and Sithelo Shozi together. Learn More
