Durban — Six people were killed in two separate crashes in KwaZulu-Natal, this after seven people were killed in a crash involving a bakkie last Sunday.
This has led KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka to call for stricter road regulations after a taxi driver was arrested for drinking and driving after a fatal crash claimed five lives.
Five people were killed on Sunday in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg on Sunday (today).
“The driver of a minibus taxi lost control of the vehicle on M70, instantly killing five people. Other occupants sustained injuries and were taken to the nearby hospitals,” the department said.
“Upon examination, it was discovered that the minibus driver was under the influence of alcohol and has been detained. He is expected to face charges of culpable homicide, negligent drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol.”
Police have been approached for official comment on the incident.
The department added that in a separate crash, also on Sunday, in Jozini, north of KZN, a bus carrying people to a wedding overturned, killing one person and leaving more than 26 with serious injuries. The bus was being driven from KwaSkhemelele to Phongolo.
These crashes come as families of the Ixopo crash which claimed the lives of seven people last weekend were burying their relatives this weekend. The bakkie driver was also arrested.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said a case of culpable homicide was being investigated by Ixopo SAPS. It is alleged that the driver of a bakkie lost control of the vehicle and overturned. Seven passengers aged between 20 and 35 died at the scene and six passengers sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
Hlomuka called for irresponsible drivers to be punished, saying all these accidents were a result of their behaviour.
“It is totally disheartening to witness the deaths of so many people on the road. The death of six people in one day is painful. The arrest of a taxi driver who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol shows that people have no regard for human life and the rule of law. We hope the arrest of the taxi driver will assist in serving him with a deserving punishment,” Hlomuka said.
“We call on road users to be responsible and to respect the rule of law. These fatal accidents are avoidable. Law enforcement agencies need to act tough against such individuals. We also wish to send our deepest condolences to all the affected families who have lost their relatives.”
On Thursday, the department reported that the bakkie driver allegedly responsible for killing seven people over the weekend had been arrested and was due to appear in the Ixopo Magistrate’s Court to face various charges including culpable homicide and negligent driving.
The incident happened on the R612 between Ixopo and Highflats in the late hours of Sunday night. Seven people who were returning from a traditional function died after the driver lost control and the vehicle veered off the road.
During a media briefing, it emerged that the driver of the vehicle was speeding and struck the guard rail on the wrong side of the road before losing control.
Daily News