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Task team probes killer road

Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The Limpopo roads and transport department has sent a team of inspectors to evaluate the causes of accidents on a road near Meropa Entertainment and World Casino where Norman Mashabane, South Africa's former ambassador to Indonesia, died.

Roads and transport MEC Justice Pitso said in an exclusive interview with Sowetan yesterday, that the officials would look at the possible causes of accidents on the notorious road and evaluate what needed to be done.

Pitso said officials were also dispatched last week, soon after Mashabane and his son Masetle were killed.

He said the way in which the road leading on to the N1 highway was built was a cause for concern.

"We are working around the clock with the South African National Road Agency to make sure that the road is safe and that no further carnage takes place," Pitso said.

An official close to the inspectors evaluating the road, said robots at the crossroad would have prevented accidents occurring.

The official said a busy national road such as the N1 should not be joined to a road from a casino where many people drank alcohol.

"It is common knowledge that some people drink and drive and this makes them and innocent road users vulnerable," he said.

One of many road deaths that sparked concern earlier this year was that of public works senior communications officer, Elvis Mavuso.

Mavuso was on his way back from the Meropa Casino when the accident occurred.

Four other people also died a fortnight ago on the same road.

One of the people who was injured in that accident is still fighting for his life in the intensive care unit of a Limpopo hospital.

A memorial service was held for Mashabane and his son in Phalaborwa yesterday. The Gauteng provincial government has also organised a memorial service at the Johannesburg City Hall today.

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