The notorious R31 Road between Kimberley and Kuruman has claimed yet more lives – seven in the latest incident.
Capt. Olebogeng Tawana, police spokesperson, said the police in Delportshoop are investigating a case of culpable homicide following a fatal head-on collision between a bus and a taxi. This happened at about 14:00 on Sunday (02/10).
“Seven people lost their lives as a result,” he said in a media statement.
It is alleged that the bus was travelling in the direction of Ulco, whilst the taxi was travelling towards Kimberley.
Those injured were transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Tawana said the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined.
The identities of the deceased cannot be released as yet, as their next of kin must first formally identify their bodies.
On Saturday, 24 September, the week prior, seven people were killed when a Volkswagen Polo and a Mazda Midge were involved in a head-on collision on the R31, approximately 31 km from Kuruman.
This road, though suffering from poor surface conditions on some areas, apparently has more than 2 500 trucks making use of it every day.
In August, it was announced that the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) would take over the management of the road “soon”, and that a contractor had been appointed to fill the potholes.
On Monday, the provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl. Koliswa Otola, conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the seven people who died in the head-on collision between a Toyota Quantum and a bus. She stressed that motorists, pedestrians and cyclists must adhere to the rules of the road at all times.
She said police would intensify patrols and conduct static roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints on all major roads throughout the province.
Motorists and pedestrians are urged to adhere to the rules of the road and implement the following safety measures to prevent deaths on Northern Cape roads:
- Do not drink and drive.
- Obey the speed limits.
- Do not use cellphones when driving, it is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- Ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.
- Guard against distractions while driving.
- Ensure all vehicle occupants wear safety belts.
- Maintain a safe following distance and do not overtake other vehicles on blind spots.
- Allow yourself to take short breaks when driving long distances to prevent driver fatigue.
- Pedestrians and cyclists are cautioned against using the road when intoxicated.
