A devastating weekend on Eastern Cape roads has claimed the lives of eight people in just 24 hours, sparking concerns over road safety in the province.
In the latest incident, a sedan vehicle collided with a minibus taxi at Payne Location outside Mthatha on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of both drivers at the scene. One passenger was rushed to hospital with injuries.
This tragedy follows a deadly Saturday, where six people lost their lives in two separate accidents near Mthatha.
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has expressed alarm over the rising death toll, with spokesperson Unathi Binqose emphasizing that road safety is a collective responsibility. “The road is everybody’s responsibility, and we all have a role to play. However, a greater responsibility lies with those behind the wheel,” Binqose said.
In response to the growing concern, Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads. The department is calling on all road users to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further loss of life.
The Eastern Cape community is in mourning, and the department’s plea serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety awareness and responsible driving practices.
