President Jacob Zuma has called for extra caution and strict adherence to the rules by all road users following the death of 44 people in two major accidents in the Eastern Cape this weekend.
Thirty-five people were killed when a bus overturned on the R408 between Butterworth and Willowvale‚ while nine people perished when a minibus taxi overturned on the R61 between Cradock and Graaff Reinet.
“We mourn the loss of so many lives on our roads. We call on all road users to take extraordinary caution on our roads and to obey the rules of the road at all times. This senseless loss of life is unacceptable and it is happening more frequently on our roads. The law enforcement authorities can play their part but it is mainly up to the drivers to ensure that they adhere to the rules of the road in order to save the precious lives of our people‚” said President Zuma.
The president conveyed his condolences to the premier and government of the Eastern Cape as well as the families of the victims.
“The pain faced by all the families is immeasurable. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery.”