ACORNHOEK – Mpumalanga had already recorded more deaths at 18, than last year’s figures.
That was the outcry of MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie during the funeral service of the eight Mpumalanga victims on Sunday, April 20. He blamed it all on human error as he called upon all road users and passengers, alike, “to exercise caution and responsibility when they embark on their trips using public roads.
“Reckless driving is a no-no on our roads and I urge people should caution each and make sure drivers adhere to the rules and regulations of the road at all times. Drunkenness should be chastised by passengers of a driver of such a vehicle and refuse to be driven by a drunk driver or a reckless one, for that matter, at all times to ensure they arrive alive at all times.
Once all road users take response for their safety on our roads, then we will experience less or no accidents nor fatalities at all,” emphasised Macie.
He also reported that over 100 people were arrested for alleged drinking and driving since Thursday in the province.
He, however, reminded motorists who will be travelling back after the Easter long weekend, to drive with caution amid rising numbers of fatalities since Thursday.
READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/vehicle-fitness-and-safety-of-passengers-vital-this-easter-holiday/
To date, the province has recorded the following:
• About 18 deaths in various crashes that occurred between 17 and 19 April 2025. More than half of these fatalities were reported in the Nkangala District;
• Six people were killed on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast on Thursday afternoon in a geadon collission between Machadodorp and Belfast. Five people died at the scene, while the sixth person succumbed while receiving treatment at the hospital.
• Two people also lost their lives when the mini-bus taxi that they were travelling overturned after its driver lost control on the N4 toll road near Middelburg while 13 others were injured.
• Three other lives were claimed on R35 between Bethal and Middelburg in a collission between a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and an articulated truck.
READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/four-people-die-in-n4-multiple-car-crash/
Macie says most of these deadly collissions could have been avoided had motorists heeded calls to adhere to the rules. He believes that if all road users can prioritise their own safety and that of others, deadly crashes would be drastically reduced.
He is further calling on public transport operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and also rest every two hours or 200 kilometres of being behind the steering wheel.
“We are pleading with every driver to ensure that they use the road cautiously. People must stop overtaking dangerously and driving with excessive speed so that they can safely reach their destinations,” Macie added.
Meanwhile, traffic law enforcement officers have stopped and checked over 13 500 vehicles since Thursday in various ongoing Easter operations across the province. 0ver 5000 vehicles went through various weighbridges. About 2700 summons were issued to motorists for various offences.
He also urges law enforcement officers to remain relentless in their quest to enforce the law and bring reckless and negligent drivers to book.
