Provincial infrastructure officials confirmed an intersection in Raithby, where a motorcyclist died on Thursday 29 January, meets current safety standards.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Winery and Raithby roads around 09:45. According to Warrant Officer Suzan Jantjies, spokesperson for Somerset West police, the motorcyclist was travelling along Winery Road toward the R44 on a black BMW when he attempted to overtake a truck.
At the same time, the driver of a white Toyota Corolla station wagon was turning into Raithby Road. The vehicles collided, flinging the motorcyclist from his bike (“Fatal bike crash“, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 4 February).
Emergency services and Somerset West police attended the scene, where Andries Haar (32) died from serious injuries. Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide and no arrests have been made.
Following news of the crash, social media users highlighted what they described as a dangerous intersection and cited numerous accidents on Winery Road.
However, Jandré Bakker, spokesperson for the provincial infrastructure department, confirmed no other fatal crashes have been reported to the department at the intersection.
He said the intersection is priority-controlled, with vehicles on Raithby Road required to stop and wait for a safe gap before entering Winery Road. Applicable signage and road markings are in place according to the South African Road Traffic Sign Manual.
Speed limits are 60 km/h on Raithby Road and 100 km/h on Winery Road, which Bakker said are appropriate. The department has no plans to install traffic lights.
While no formal complaints have been received, Bakker acknowledged broader safety concerns on the R44, including the Winery Road intersection.
These concerns will be addressed through the R44 Safety Improvement Project, which includes interventions along Winery Road, Baker said. Phase 1 is scheduled to commence later this year.
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