“The tragedy of sudden passing of nine learners in 2022 will never be forgotten, as it brought great anguish and pain to surviving families and the broader community. What is sad is that it is one of many crashes that could have been avoided had greater care been taken.”
This is according to the Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, who was reacting to the sentencing of the 28 year old Nkosinathi Sibanyoni. Sibanyoni was driving a minibus taxi without a valid driving license at the time of the crash that occurred in February 2022 in Mayflower. Nine learners lost their lives after the vehicle he
was driving plunged into the river.
Sibanyoni has been sentenced to ten years behind bars after being convicted of culpable homicide.
“We welcome this judgement. We believe it brings some relief to the affected families and communities. It will also go a long way towards bringing closure to all affected families. We believe that when those who break the rules or drive recklessly are punished, our roads will become safer,” the MEC says.
Macie also urges owners of public transport to always ensure that the drivers they employ have valid documents and that their vehicles are roadworthy at all times.
Meanwhile the MEC has also noted with disappointment the arrests of fourteen suspects in connection with alleged fraud and corruption in the learners and driving license applications at Sabie, Graskop, Lydenburg and Verena this week, following a multidisciplinary collaboration between the HAWKS and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). It is alleged that driving license testing examiners colluded with driving school owners to issue learners and driving licenses to applicants without following due processes.
On the other hand, thirteen traffic law enforcement officers were arrested by the same team on Tuesday in White River, Calcutta, Malelane, and Barberton on allegations of bribery by the same team.
Macie says the department will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in this regard, adding that the department will take the necessary steps internally to respond. “We view corruption and malfeasance in licensing in a serious light because these contribute to road crashes. We must deal with any wrongdoing in a licensing environment and traffic law enforcement to make our roads safer. We also want our communities to report any corrupt activities on 0800 701 701,” Macie concluded.
The suspects are expected to appear in various courts soon.