The Lwandle police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following a fatal collision on the N2 which left one motorist dead and multiple others injured.
The accident involving two bakkies occurred on the highway between Shell Garage and Monkey Town after 10:00 last Thursday (20 April) and resulted in the temporary closure of both lanes (direction Grabouw) with motorists diverted along Broadlands Road.
According to Kevin Jacobs, principal inspector for traffic services, officers responded to the collision at 10:35 and attended to the scene in support of police until the road was reopened at 15:32.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services, Western Cape Metro Emergency Medical Services and ER24 paramedics also responded to the incident. Authorities found two vehicles involved in the accident, a white Mahindra and Toyota Hilux bakkie.
According to Lwandle police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama it is alleged that the driver of the Toyota was travelling on the N2 direction Cape Town when he lost control of the bakkie, swerved across the centre median and collided with the Mahindra that was moving in the opposite direction.
The driver of the Toyota, a 40-year-old Gansbaai resident, confirmed the aforementioned details, adding that: “I just don’t know what happened. All I can think about is the accident.”
According to the driver he was the only occupant of the work vehicle and was hospitalised for injuries sustained to his hand, shoulder and legs. He was discharged the same day and is recovering at home.
Gama further confirmed that the 27-year-old driver of the Mahindra bakkie died instantly on-scene while his passenger was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Both occupants are Zimbabwean foreign nationals residing in Gugulethu,” he added.
The occupants were driving in a branded vehicle belonging to ARK, a company offering comprehensive service associated with the repair, restoration and refurbishment of buildings in the construction and maintenance industries, including waterproofing, roofing and paint and structural repairs.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette reached out to the company who declined the opportunity to comment on the incident, saying: “We reserve our right of ‘no comment’, thank you.”
According to a statement released by the City’s media office, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded a notable increase in motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents, which jumped from 36 incidents last weekend to 82 this past weekend – a signal to road users to be extra cautious in wet weather conditions.
“I want to remind road users that adherence to the rules of the road is critical at all times, but even more so when the environmental conditions add an additional layer of risk.
“With the coming winter rains, we need to ensure that tyres, brakes and wipers are in good working condition, slow down, increase following distances, and ensure that headlights are on,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee member for safety and security, JP Smith.
