GEORGE NEWS - Two pedestrians and a toddler lost their lives in separate traffic-related incidents in Thembalethu over the weekend, as the authorities warned of increasing risks on roads during the festive season.
At about 17:00 on Sunday afternoon, 14 December, a woman (32) and her 13-month-old son were struck by a taxi in Lingelthu Street in Zone 6. The woman was declared dead on the scene, while the infant was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Two other victims also sustained serious injuries. The taxi driver was arrested on the scene on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and culpable homicide. The Thembalethu Police continue their investigations.
In a separate incident at about 03:00 on Monday morning, 15 December, a man from Plettenberg Bay was struck by a silver VW Polo on Ngcakani Road near the Thembalethu Police Station. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries. The driver was arrested on the scene on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and culpable homicide.
Both drivers were scheduled to appear in the George Magistrate's Court on Wednesday 17 December, around the time of going to press.
Across the province, 14 pedestrians have lost their lives on our roads between 8 and 14 December. During this period, Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement intensified its festive season operations across the province, resulting in 119 arrests. Of these, 81 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.
More than 200 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations were conducted, with over 44 000 vehicles stopped and checked.
More than 7 000 fines were issued for various traffic violations, including speeding, with over 250 speeding offences recorded. The highest speed measured was 163km/h in a 120km/h zone.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said reckless behaviour continues to place lives at risk.
"As we move deeper into the festive season, our message remains clear: enforcement alone cannot save lives. Alcohol abuse, speeding and irresponsible pedestrian behaviour continue to claim lives unnecessarily, and we appeal to every road user to take personal responsibility so that families are not left grieving during what should be a time of rest and celebration," he said.
Chief Director for Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout said traffic officers remain highly visible across the province, but she stressed that compliance from road users is essential.
Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement has confirmed that a strong presence will be maintained on major routes, interprovincial corridors and high-risk areas throughout the festive period.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
