Eastern Cape Transport MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe, has warned that no one is immune from car accidents.
This warning
comes after Tikana-Gxothiwe mourns the loss of her sister-in-law, Ntombetsha Tikana, who died in a head-on
collision involving a minibus taxi and an Avanza between Mthatha and Ngcobo on Monday, January 24. The deceased was the wife of Tikana-Gxothiwe’s late brother, Sindile Tikana.
Tikana-Gxotiwe described the accident as a grim reminder that road accidents can happen to anyone.
The accident occurred on the R61 road in Mthatha
at Mandela Park. A taxi with only the driver was outbound from Mthatha, while a
Toyota Avanza with five occupants, including the deceased, was headed towards the
CBD.
“We are still battling to come to terms with
this sudden loss of a loved one as the family. The pain cuts deep. But I also
wish to take the moment to send a warning to everyone out there that no one is
immune from road crashes. Let us all be extra vigilant, let us respect the
rules of the road, respect one another and take responsibility for our lives
and the lives of other road users,” said Tikana-Gxotiwe.
Spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Unathi Binqose, confirmed that the vehicles collided
head-on. Both drivers sustained injuries, as well as three passengers in the Avanza. Tikana died on the scene due to injuries sustained.
“The injured were taken to
Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital for further medical treatment. It is alleged
that reckless and negligent driving was the main contributing factor for the
accident,” said Binqose.
He said a case of culpable homicide was opened at
Central Police Station for further investigation.
