Durban — KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka has called for tighter road regulations following a minibus accident that killed five people in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
It is alleged that a “drunk” taxi driver lost control of the vehicle on M70 Edendale road, resulting in the death of five people.
The taxi was apparently travelling from Imbali 18 and BB to the Pietermaritzburg CBD when the accident occurred.
Hlomuka said police had arrested the taxi driver.
“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.
“We call on road users to be responsible and to respect the rule of law. These fatal accidents are avoidable. We also wish to send our deepest condolences to all the affected families who have lost their relatives,” said Hlomuka.
Law enforcement agencies needed to take tough action against people found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, he said.
The driver is expected to face charges of culpable homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson for the SA National Taxi Council, Sifiso Shangase, conveyed his condolences to families and friends who lost their loved ones in the horrific accident.
He condemned drinking and driving, adding that they now need to enforce Operation Hlokomela, which was launched to improve the safety of drivers and passengers.
“Now that the driver has been arrested we will let the law take its course; however, taxi owners must pay attention to their drivers especially on Sundays when they come to collect the vehicles.
“For now, we are not sure if this is a temporary driver or a permanent one,” he said.
Shangase further said he understands that some vehicles are parked at petrol stations and that their owners are unable to assess the state of drivers when they arrive for duty.
He urged drivers to be cautious on the road and to respect the rules of the road.
Daily News