North West- At least nine people have lost their lives on the roads of Bokone Bophirima in different incidents over the first weekend of 2015.

On the first day of the year, one person died when a driver lost control and the vehicle overturned just 10 km outside Sweitzer-Reneke, while another death was reported in Ventersdorp of a driver who also lost control along the N4 road. In the Mabieskraal area, police are also investigating a case of culpable homicide after an 8-year-old was hit by a car on the same Thursday in Tweelagte. On Friday afternoon, four people died on the scene when the driver of a Toyota Condor lost control and overturned along the Ottosdal-Delareyville road.

According to the police information, the car was travelling from Delareyville to Ottosdal. Two males and females between the ages of 33 and 40 were certified dead on the scene of the accident, while other three passengers were taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.

On the R24 road in the Rustenburg area, two people died instantly when their vehicle collided with a truck on the same day. It is alleged that the driver of the vehicle lost control after a tyre burst and collided with oncoming truck. Three other passengers survived with serious injuries and were rushed to the nearest hospital, while the truck driver survived without injuries.

Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Gaoage Molapisi send his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to those who survived.

“It is very unfortunate and worrying that, despite all efforts the department is taking to save people’s lives on the roads we still experience this numbers of fatalities. Though we seem to have a reduction of deaths on our roads compared to last year, a loss of a human soul is hurtful,” said Molapisi.

The MEC further urged motorists travelling back from holidays to exercise patience and vigilance on the roads at all times. “As people are coming back from holidays and traffic flow is increasing we advise drivers to be extra cautious on the roads and be patient to one another.

“Obey rules of the roads, don’t drink and drive, don’t over speed and also over take when it is not safe or clear to do so. Always be on the lookout of pedestrians and stray animals,” said Molapisi who encouraged long distance motorists to take a rest every after two hours or 200 km of driving.

-TDN

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