A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Engcobo Police Station following a collision between a Toyota Avanza and a bakkie on Monday, January 10.
According to Department of Transport spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, it is alleged that the members of the local taxi association chased a Toyota Avanza after it was seen to be picking up hitchhikers.
“The incident happened on the R61 road within a kilometre out of the town in Ngcobo towards Mthatha,” said Binqose.
He added that the Toyota Avanza with five occupants was leaving Engcobo towards Mthatha, while the Ford LDV with two occupants (a male and female) coming from an opposite direction collided head on, on the curve.
“Three occupants from the Avanza died on the scene, while the fourth died later in hospital. Three others from the Avanza and one from the bakkie sustained injuries.”
Binqose confirmed that the injured were all taken to All Saints Hospital, in Engcobo.
“We are really sad that so many people had to lose their lives under the circumstances of being chased by people who have no right to chase other people on the roads.”
He further added that the MEC for Transport, Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe has condemned this incident, calling upon police officers to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations.
“The MEC has plans to organise a meeting that will involve all Law Enforcement Agencies and Taxi Organisations to try and put an end to this problem,” Binqose concluded.
– ISSUED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
