Community torches taxi driver’s house following fatal crash in PMB

Angry community members in Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal have allegedly torched the house of the taxi driver responsible for an accident that claimed the lives of five people in Edendale on Sunday, 4 September. 

It has been confirmed that the driver was driving under the influence and he has since been arrested and is expected to face charges of culpable homicide, negligent drinking and driving under influence of alcohol.

COMMUNITY TORCHES PIETERMARITZBURG TAXI DRIVER’S HOUSE 

The driver of a minibus taxi reportedly lost control of the vehicle on M70 and it rolled a few times, instantly killing five people. Other occupants sustained injuries and were taken to the nearby hospitals.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka called for irresponsible drivers to be punished, saying accidents are as a result of their behaviour.

Hlomuka said it is totally disheartening to witness the deaths of so many people on the road. 

“The death of six people in one day is painful. The arrest of a taxi driver who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol shows that people have no regard for human life and the rule of law. We hope the arrest of the taxi driver will assist in serving him with a deserving punishment. 

“We call on road users to be responsible and to respect the rule of law. These fatal accidents are avoidable. The rule of law and enforcement agencies need to act tough against such individuals. We also wish to send our deepest condolences to all the affected families who have lost their relatives.” 

Sipho Hlomuka

In a separate incident, on Sunday in Jozini also in KwaZulu-Natal, a bus carrying people to a wedding overturned killing one person and leaving more than 26 sustaining serious injuries. The bus was from KwaSkhemelele travelling to Phongolo.

South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) spokesperson in KZN, Sifiso Shangase not only pleaded with drivers to be cautious on the road but also stated how saddened they were to hear about the accident.

Shangase sent his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the accident and wished speedy recoveries to those who are recovering in hospital.

“It gives us a bad name that people had to die like this on a straight road like Edendale Road. If there was any negligence from the driver, we will take action. We will also enforce Operation Hlokomela to ensure that drivers are cautious on the road,” Shangase said.

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