The Premier of Limpopo Stanley Mathabatha led a delegation comprising MECs to the families of the Motetema accident victims to Elias Motsoaledi Municipality on Monday. The MECs include Ms. Nandi Ndalane, MEC for Social Development, Transport and Community Safety, Ms Florence Radzilani and Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
There were also representatives of the Road Accident Fund, taxi association and traditional leaders.
“We came here to comfort you. We believe that our words as well as actions since the accident happened will help restore you,” said Premier Mathabatha addressing the bereaved families.
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PREMIER STAN MATHABATHA COMFORTS FAMILIES OF MOTETEMA ACCIDENT
“We are particularly touched that among the victims of this accident there were children involved. This saddens us the most as the future of these children has been cut short.”
“We want to use this opportunity to warn petty politicians who are using this accident to score points to refrain from doing such deplorable acts. They must be sensitive to this, these are lives that we as Africans must respect,” Premier Mathabatha further remarked.
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Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Radebe, also gave an account of the accident. It took place on Road 579, Motetema to Groblersdal on the morning of 4 March 2023. She said four vehicles, three mini-bus taxis traveling to the direction of Groblersdal were involved in an accident with a truck traveling towards the direction of Motetema.
RECKLESS DRIVING CITED AS THE CAURSE OF THE ACCIDENT
Driver error was cited as the second minibus attempted overtaking. He collided with the truck that was heading to Mototema direction, affecting the two other cars. As a result, 15 people lost lives on the scene and the other person perished in hospital.
“Although we are not thankful for the bereavement, we are appreciative of the assistance the government has offered us. Your ways of comforting us has placed us in a far better place,” said Marema Leonard Ramakganya who represented the bereaved families.
The Road Accident Fund will also assist the families with what has to be done in line with applicable prescripts. Elias Motsoaledi Municipality will also play its part towards the mass funeral. The provincial government, through Departments of Social Development, Transport and Community Safety, and Health, shall continue to assist to make sure that the people are buried with dignity.
There will be a mass funeral of the 15 victims on Saturday, 11 March 2023 at Tafelkop Stadium.
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