Since the beginning of December 2013, at least 70 people died on Limpopo’s roads in a total of 98 accidents.

These figures were made available by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) of South Africa. Of these fatalities, 20 people were killed in the Vhembe district.

The manager of the Makhado Fire Station, Mr Jack Ramalatso, confirmed the figures, adding that of these 20, nine lives were lost in road accidents in and around Makhado (Louis Trichardt).  The station responded to a total number of 49 motor vehicle accidents.

Compared to the previous year, 2013 saw an increase of three more deaths on local roads. Compared nationally, Limpopo had reported the third-lowest number of deaths. Kwazulu Natal and Gauteng reported the most accidents,  205 and 156 respectively.

“But even though we can be glad about our figures,” said Ramalatso, “one life lost is still one too many.”

The RTMC reported two major accidents in Limpopo. On 6 December, nine people were killed on the N11 between Middelburg and Groblersdal. Five more people were killed on 22 December on the R579 between Nebo and Jane Furse.

Ramalatso also referred to a local accident, in which a whole family was killed. This accident was not noted as major by the RTMC, who classifies a major accident as one in which five or more people are killed.

On 6 December, the Tshigodime family of Siloam was killed on the N1 north near the Witvlag turn-off. The youngest member of this family of four was six months old.

The RTMC said the contributory factors to road accidents during the festive season included dangerous overtaking, speeding, bad weather and driving under the influence of alcohol. 

From the beginning of December, according to the RTMC, an estimated 986 people were arrested nationwide for drinking and driving and reckless driving. In Limpopo, a driver was released on R2 000 bail for driving 171km/h in a 120km/h zone.

The Limpopo MEC for Roads and Transport, Mr Lehlogonolo Masoga, expressed his sympathy with families who lost loved ones in road accidents. He said that he was saddened by the rate at which lives were lost in the province. He visited several bereaved families during December.