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Two more die as car and bakkie collide

ROAD CARNAGE: Two people died in this accident. Pic. Dorris Mphelo. 12/09/07. © Sowetan.
ROAD CARNAGE: Two people died in this accident. Pic. Dorris Mphelo. 12/09/07. © Sowetan.

Frank Maponya

Frank Maponya

The national road passing Botlokwa in Limpopo has claimed two more lives.

The intersection of Matoks and the N1 road leading to Musina has been the scene of numerous accidents.

The latest incident happened on Sunday night when two people died after a bakkie carrying fire-wood tried to cross over to the other side of the road.

One of the dead was a prison warder from Kutama-Senthumule Correctional Services who was escorting a vehicle transporting prisoners.

The driver was allegedly speeding when the bakkie, with its lights off, suddenly crossed over.

Machaka-Ramokgopa-Makgato Taxi Association chairman Matsitsa Lebepe said that something has to be done to stop the deaths.

"The road poses a serious danger to pedestrians and motorists alike and that is a major cause for concern," Lebepe said.

He said the association had engaged various stakeholders to stop the road carnage, but nothing had materialised.

A few metres from the road is a shopping complex which serves residents from both sides of the road.

Lebepe said an overhead bridge should be built to enable people and vehicles to cross from one village to the other safely.

"We approached Molemole municipality to build a bridge, but it pleaded poverty," said Lebepe.

There are settlements on either side of the busy road and pedestrians and motorists are forced to cross the road daily. The area is very dark because there are no street lights.

Departmental spokesman Boiki Tsedu was not available for comment.

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