Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: Another sad day in KwaZulu-Natal as more families are experiencing the pain of losing their loved ones as a result of a horrific taxi accident.
We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of six women who died in this collision.
Based on our preliminary report, the taxi was carrying 17 passengers including the driver. They were travelling from Escourt to Nkandla.
The driver experienced brake failure in Ntunjambili. He lost control with the taxi overturning and catching fire in the process.
Ten occupants sustained minor injuries whilst five women were declared dead at the scene. The injured passengers were taken to Ntunjambili Hospital.
Weighing heavily on my mind is the fact that road accidents are destroying families and leaving behind widowers, widows and orphans.
I have directed the Head of the Department and senior management from the department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate to immediately keep in touch with the families of the deceased during this difficult period.
We want to ensure that they get the best possible assistance.
We have also resolved to ensure the Road Accident Fund is part of engagements with the families.
Importantly, we wish to announce that we have ordered a thorough investigation into this collision.
We have brought in the national Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate and the South African Police Service.
The main focus is to determine whether there is negligence or to ascertain the root cause of the incident.
We do this to prevent recurrence and, where necessary, ensure that criminal prosecution is undertaken.
This is part of ensuring and displaying Zero Tolerance.
Lastly, this accident took place days after our successful meeting with the South African National Taxi Council with representatives from across all regions in various municipalities.
In this meeting, which was attended by KZN Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi we agreed to work together to ensure safety, reliable and stable taxi industry and the public transport sector in general.
Working together we will Inspire Hope for a Better Future.
