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The Free State has been rocked by a series of devastating road accidents over the past weekend, claiming the lives of 23 people. The high death toll has raised grave concerns, prompting urgent calls for action to improve road safety, particularly during the festive season. Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Baile Motswenyane, expressed his deep worry over the alarming number of fatalities, particularly on the N3 and N1 highways, which were among the worst affected. He stressed the need for heightened vigilance to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians during this busy period.
The accidents occurred in several areas, with the most tragic being a collision on the N3 highway in Harrismith, where six people died. A car collided with a truck, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her four children, aged between one and 17, as well as the truck driver. The father of the children, a 49-year-old man, survived the crash. In another incident, a police sergeant lost his life after hitting a stray animal on Fred Osborn Road in Winburg. The region also saw multiple accidents involving pedestrians, further contributing to the toll of road fatalities.
In light of these incidents, Motswenyane emphasized that while the festive season is a time for celebration, it is also essential for motorists to prioritize road safety. He urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid reckless driving, obey speed limits, refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, and take regular breaks during long journeys. His appeal reflects a growing concern that road safety measures are being overlooked in the rush of holiday travel, with tragic consequences for those involved in accidents.
The causes of these accidents have been the subject of much discussion, with some local spiritual leaders offering alternative explanations. Sangoma Bolele Majake, a respected traditional healer, suggested that the high number of fatal crashes could be attributed to unsettled spirits of ancestors who were not properly honored or whose traditional rites had been neglected. According to Majake, these restless spirits contribute to chaos and destruction, manifesting on the roads and causing deadly accidents. He stressed the importance of respecting ancestral traditions to restore balance and prevent further tragedies on the roads.
Majake’s perspective adds a layer of complexity to the discussion on road safety, highlighting the intersection of cultural beliefs and practical safety measures. While his views may not resonate with all, they underscore the deep connection between the people of the Free State and their spiritual beliefs. Many still hold that honoring ancestors and performing proper rituals can bring peace and harmony, and Majake believes that neglecting these traditions has contributed to the rising toll of road deaths in the region.
As the Free State grapples with this tragic series of accidents, the message from both the authorities and the traditional healers is clear: action is needed on multiple fronts. Authorities are intensifying their focus on road safety, while traditional leaders are calling for a return to cultural practices that they believe could help prevent further loss of life. Whether through stricter law enforcement or spiritual reconciliation, both approaches point to the need for a balanced and concerted effort to reduce road fatalities and bring peace to the province during this festive season.
