The Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Florence Radzilani, expressed her concern on Sunday about the number of fatal accidents occurring on the province's roads, especially over weekends. She was reacting to yet another two fatal accidents on Saturday and Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of one and seven people respectively.
On Saturday, 15 July, the N1 north from Louis Trichardt was closed to traffic in both directions for an extended period, following a fatal accident near the Sasol garage about 10km from Musina.
According to the provincial Department of Transport and Community Safety, the accident occurred at about 05:00 when the driver of a truck towing two trailers lost control of the vehicle because of brake failure, causing it to jack-knife and block the N1 completely. A sedan then collided with one of the truck's stationary trailers because of suspected poor visibility.
The department confirmed that one person was killed, one sustained moderate to serious injuries, and three others escaped with minor injuries. All the casualties were from the sedan. The N1 was reopened for traffic after midday.
On Sunday, Limpopo residents woke to the news of yet another fatal accident, this time claiming seven lives.
The horror accident occurred during the early hours of the morning along the R101 Sterkrivier Crossroad in the Waterberg district.
According to the department, a Volkswagen Polo hatchback collided head-on with a Mercedes Benz sedan, and both drivers and five other people died at the scene. Following this accident, Radzilani expressed her condolences to the bereaved families.
The carnage on the region's roads caused Radzilani to express her serious concerns about the number of fatal accidents taking place on Limpopo's roads, especially over weekends.
"The number of fatal accidents happening during weekends is of great concern. Every week, we receive reports of fatal accidents during the weekends, especially during the early hours of the morning or late at night. This clearly indicates to us that people should practice taking regular breaks and ensure that their vehicles are in roadworthy condition before they embark on their trips," said Radzilani.