The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature demands answers from the KZN MEC for Transport, Sipho Hlomuka, about the whereabouts of traffic officers on Edendale Road in Pietermaritzburg, following a minibus accident that killed five people on Sunday.
We want to know from the MEC: where were traffic officers from the RTI or Msunduzi Municipality on Sunday, as it is alleged that the taxi driver was drunk and speeding? If there were traffic officers on the road, this accident could have been avoided. The taxi would have been stopped immediately, as it was ‘flying’ down the road. Lives could have been saved. The KZN MEC for Transport, Sipho Hlomuka, must be held accountable for the lack of police presence. KZN authorities must stop crying crocodile tears when people perish on the roads, when it is government that has failed dismally to enforce traffic laws meant to curb road carnage.
The IFP has made numerous calls to the KZN MEC for Transport, advocating for heightened vigilance and for officers to be deployed 24/7. Sadly, these calls have not resulted in any tangible action and the status quo remains unchanged, with accidents becoming commonplace on our Province’s roads.
The IFP demands answers to the following questions:
Why were there no traffic officers on Edendale Road on the day of the accident that resulted in five people losing their lives?
Why are traffic officers not deployed 24/7 on provincial roads?
When will traffic officers be deployed 24/7 on the roads?
What is the Department doing to address and prevent road accidents?
Answers must be provided urgently by the KZN MEC for Transport. As the political head, the buck stops with him.
It is inexcusable that innocent people continue to die, due to the failure of the authorities to enforce traffic laws.
The IFP demands that action must be taken against drunk drivers. Drinking impairs one’s ability to drive and increases the risk of causing an accident. Justice in traffic is needed, as many people die on the roads unjustly. This is our starting point and our central principle, which should guide immediate action to end road fatalities.
In order to prevent traffic accidents, a better understanding is needed of the driver’s knowledge, perceptions and actions concerning traffic regulations. Drivers must be made aware of how important traffic rules are for safety.
In addition, the IFP urges the public to report reckless drivers to relevant authorities to prevent unnecessary road accidents.
The IFP calls on the courts to show no mercy to reckless drivers who kill people intentionally. When a driver drinks and drives at high speeds there is no excuse: they must be charged with manslaughter.
The IFP would like to send its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish those who are injured a speedy and complete recovery.
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Contact
Hon. Steven Moodley, MPL
IFP KZN Spokesperson for Transport
083 253 2277