Team to probe Mpumalanga crash appointed

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters. Image: GCIS

The collision, involving two trucks, a bakkie and a bus, occurred on Moloto Road, near Kwaggafontein, on Monday night (11 November).

Departmental spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso said the team comprises officials from the Transport Department, the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Mpumalanga provincial government.

Peters said the team's brief was not limited to determining what caused the crash, but to recommend interventions to prevent such crashes. She said if anyone was found to be at fault, they must face the full might of the law.

The Department of Transport has been aware of the challenges along the Moloto corridor for a number of years. An inter-governmental steering committee (National Department of Transport and the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, including their respective municipalities) was established to conduct a feasibility study that would determine long-term interventions for the corridor.

A political committee including the Minister of Transport, the Premiers of the three affected provinces and their respective MECs, as well as the mayors of the municipalities concerned was also asked to investigation what long-term solutions might resolve the problems along the Moloto corridor.

Condolences for bereaved families

Peters has sent her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.

"This horrific crash happens on the eve of my presentation of the draft Rail Policy in Cabinet. The Rail Policy has a specific emphasis on the Moloto corridor and speaks to the transport infrastructure investments that we need to make in that area," she said.

The minister said the long term objective was to move goods and passengers from road to rail and look into the possible expansion of the road network in question.

President Jacob Zuma has also sent condolences to the families of the victims.

"This carnage must stop. It is completely unacceptable! The fact that this particular road has gained notoriety for the deaths of our people means there's something wrong that we need to address together.

"We urge witnesses to assist in the investigation into the cause of the collision. We also urge the law enforcement authorities to swiftly get to the bottom of the causes of this tragedy. The law must be firm on those found to have flouted any rules and regulations of the road, leading to such high fatalities," said Zuma.

Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) chief executive Phumla Williams echoed the President's words.

"Government is saddened by the unfortunate loss of lives in this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. We wish all the injured a speedy recovery."

Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza also sent his condolences to the bereaved families.