Former Limpopo transport MEC and veteran political activist, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani has urged commuters to exercise their right to life by saying no to unruly driving behaviour.

Farisani commented after a particularly horrific accident that had killed five passengers and injured scores of others, had happened at Khalavha outside Thohoyandou. A taxi transporting people from a church service at Vuwani lost control and rolled several times down a steep slope.

The accident occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day. Four passengers died at the scene, while the fifth died in hospital. The taxi is alleged to have been transporting 28 passengers instead of the permitted 16. Speaking at the scene of the accident, Farisani said that passengers have a right to life and should exercise that right to the fullest all the time.

"Looking at the number of passengers the taxi was allegedly carrying, it is unacceptable that passengers allowed the driver to continue with the trip even though it was overloaded, and gambling with their lives in the process. This must end and traffic officials and other law enforcement departments must arrest those who breach road rules," he said. W/O Edward Tharaga of the police at Siloam has confirmed that the police are investigating a culpable homicide case.

Meanwhile different stakeholders met at the Vhulaudzi community hall to chart the way forward in preparing for the burial of the victims who are mostly from the surrounding villages. A Task Team was also formed to coordinate the funerals.

Task Team spokesman and the councillor for Thulamela Ward 27, Cllr Livhuwani Maduse, said that the deceased are Tshavhungwa Mauna and Mashudu Sibadela from Dopeni, Thangavhuelelo Rendani and Avhapfani Nemaangani from Murunwa, and Abraham Muvhumbe of Maelula. "Everything is going according to plan and we are working hard with the affected families and we are hopeful that we will give the deceased dignified funerals."

He indicated that the deceased would be buried at their villages on Saturday morning (tomorrow).