At least 18 lives have been lost in a string of tragic road accidents across Mpumalanga between 17 and 19 April, according to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison. The Nkangala District alone accounted for more than half of the fatalities, prompting urgent calls for road safety compliance as travellers return from the Easter long weekend.
Six people perished in a devastating head-on collision on the N4 between Machadodorp and Belfast on Thursday afternoon 19 April. Five victims died on the scene, and a sixth succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Later that evening, two passengers were killed and 13 injured when a mini-bus taxi overturned near Middelburg, also on the N4, after the driver reportedly lost control.
In another deadly crash, three people died on the R35 between Bethal and Middelburg following a collision between an MPV and an articulated truck.
Mpumalanga Community Safety MEC Jackie Macie expressed concern over the rising toll, emphasising that many of the incidents could have been avoided if drivers had followed road safety laws.
“People must stop overtaking dangerously and driving with excessive speed,” said Macie. “We are pleading with every driver to use the road cautiously so they can reach their destinations safely.”
Easter Traffic Operations Stats:
- 13,500+ vehicles stopped and checked
- 2,700 summonses issued
- 5,000+ vehicles inspected at weighbridges
- Over 100 arrests for drinking and driving
Macie urged public transport operators to rest every 200 km or 2 hours and to maintain vehicle roadworthiness. He also encouraged law enforcement officers to continue their efforts to hold reckless drivers accountable.
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