Media statement 2 April 2024
Ald Grandi Theunissen
MMC for Community Safety
The City of Tshwane is disheartened by the tragic loss of lives on its roads during the busy Easter weekend. Early reports indicated that 12 motor vehicle accidents and three incidents involving pedestrians were reported between 29 March and 1 April 2024.
In another accident reported yesterday evening, a taxi lost control on the Moloto Road whereafter some of its occupants had to be extricated by emergency services. Sadly, one person succumbed to injuries whereas five others were transported to hospitals with moderate to severe injuries. In a separate incident early this morning on the N4 near Bronkhorstspruit, a vehicle lost control and overturned. One person was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency services and subsequently declared dead on the scene. This takes the total number of fatalities to 15, a sharp increase compared to the three fatalities that were recorded last year during the same Easter period, where a total of 32 motor vehicle accidents and seven incidents involving pedestrians were reported.
Despite ongoing efforts to promote road safety and enhance enforcement measures, the recent incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the root causes of accidents. The City of Tshwane remains committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to implement targeted strategies aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities.
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones over the weekend. I also want to wish those who were hospitalised a speedy recovery. Lastly, I want to thank all the first responders, police officials, firefighters, medics, towing operators and volunteers who dedicated their time to the safety of others over the Easter weekend. Without your selfless efforts, the carnage on our roads would no doubt have been even greater.
To those who will still be travelling back home over the next few days, please do so safely and remember to call 107 to contact the Emergency Services Department and 012 358 7095/7096 for the Tshwane Metro Police Department.
Enquiries: Ald Grandi Theunissen (grandit@tshwane.gov.za)