Four people from Kutama died tragically on Sunday, March 1, when the double-cab bakkie they where travelling in collided with a Shosholoza Meyl passenger train at the level crossing in Malherbe Street in Louis Trichardt. The accident occurred at about 18:30.

Two of the passengers, Alex Ramashidzha (37) and Johannes Mikosi Ramashidzha (68), were family of Mr Norman Mabila, councillor and former mayor of Louis Trichardt.

The men were travelling from Grobler Street to pick up a friend and were not even five minutes away from their home when the accident occurred. They died on the scene. The train which was en-route from Musina to Johannesburg, suffered minimal damage to the locomotive and no pas-sengers were injured.

A spokesperson from the Shosholoza Group conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families and added that “the issue of safety in all rail operational areas, including level crossings, is very critical. Vehicle drivers are strongly advised to take extra precaution when approaching level crossings and all other rail operational areas.”

Mr Louis Bobodi, spokesperson for the Makhado Municipality, also conveyed the municipality’s condolences to the families and said the municipality would see to it that, after the investigation has been concluded, the relevant department will look into the matter and cor-rect the situation.

At the time of going to press, the names of the two other men who died had not yet been released by the police. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated.