The notorius R31 Road in the Northern Cape has claimed yet another seven lives.
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 on the R31.
This happened at approximately 14:00 on Sunday.
“Seven people lost their lives as a result of the collision,” 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 hospital for medical treatment.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, Tawana said.
The identities of the deceased cannot be released as yet as their next of kin must formally identify their bodies. Police investigations are continuing.
- Last weekend, on Saturday 24 September, 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.
The R31 was previously described as the “road of the death”.
This road, apart from the poor surface conditions of some parts, is also extremely busy with apparently more than 2 500 trucks making use of it every day.
In August, it was announced that the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) will “soon” take over the management of the road and that a contractor was appointed to fill the pot-holes.
- On Monday (03/10), the SAPS provincial commissioner, Lt Genl Koliswa Otola, said she is deeply saddened by the tragic death of the seven people in the head-on collision between a Toyota Quantum and a bus.
Otola conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. She stressed and emphasised that road safety is every road-user’s responsibility and motorists, pedestrians and cyclists must adhere to the rules of the road at all times.
She said police in the province will intensify patrols and conduct static roadblocks and vehicle check points on all major roads throughout the province.
“A zero tolerance approach will be followed when it comes to road safety this festive season and beyond, and transgressors will feel the full might of the law,” she said.
The police are urging all motorists and pedestrians to adhere to the rules of the road and implement the following safety measures to prevent deaths on the roads in the Northern Cape:
- Do not drink and drive
- Obey the speed limits
- Do not use cell phones when driving, it is illegal and extremely dangerous
- Ensure the 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 on blind spots
- Allow yourself to take short breaks when driving long distances to prevent driver fatigue
- Pedestrians and cyclists are also cautioned not to use the road when intoxicated as they become a danger to motorists.
