Durban — Over 142 people have died on provincial roads since the start of the festive season, including the chairperson of the ANC Women’s League chairperson in the Mzala Nxumalo Region.
This was according to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who extended condolences to the families of prominent leaders in society and many others who lost their loved ones in tragic road accidents in the province.
Nkosikhona Mdlalose, who was also Ward 12 councillor and member of Exco, was killed with ANC member Mpendulo Khumalo in a car accident last week on their way home from the party’s 55th National Congress in Johannesburg.
“Road fatalities are a major concern to the provincial government because since the start of the festive season, we have lost the lives of more than 142 people on our roads. It takes each individual to play their part in curbing the high rate of accidents that occur each year on our roads. Integrated roadblocks will continue throughout the province, targeting all categories of crime, including unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, distracted driving, drinking and driving and illegal drugs, among other violations,” said Premier Dube-Ncube on Tuesday.
She described the passing of Mdlalose and Khumalo as a massive blow for the province because of the important leadership roles they played in society.
“We mourn the loss of such hard-working, disciplined, dedicated and steadfast servants of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Mdlalose and Khumalo were committed leaders whose lives were cut short in a tragic road crash, and they both had so much to offer as revolutionary activists. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, comrades and colleagues of Ms Nkosikhona Mdlalose and Mr Mpendulo Khumalo. May the souls of the dearly departed rest in perfect peace. We also wish those fighting for their lives in hospital a speedy recovery”.
Dube-Ncube called on motorists to be extra vigilant on the road, especially during the festive season as traffic volumes continue to increase.
She warned that road traffic authorities would act against those that disobey the law and put the lives of law-abiding citizens at risk.
On Monday, a further three people died in a crash on the R68 between Dundee and Nquthu in northern KZN.
KZN Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mckenzie said the crash involved a light motor vehicle and a minibus.
“Tragically, three people, women believed to have been in the light motor vehicle, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. Paramedics treated three critically injured patients on the scene, and they were transported to the hospital for continued medical care.”
He said, on Tuesday, there was another crash near Nongoma, involving a bakkie that turned over.
“Five people have sustained injuries. There are four patients with critical injuries and one patient with serious injuries”.
Daily News