Tragedy struck north of Durban on Wednesday afternoon when a head-on collision between a bakkie and a truck claimed the lives of two individuals. The crash occurred on the N2 highway near Fairbreeze, and emergency responders from IPSS Medical Rescue were quickly dispatched to the scene. According to IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick, the driver and one passenger of the light motor vehicle were declared dead at the scene, while a third passenger was fortunate to survive with moderate injuries. The truck’s driver and passenger sustained only minor injuries and did not require further medical care.
This deadly crash comes at a time when road safety has become a primary focus for eThekwini officials, especially with the holiday season fast approaching. City spokesperson Xaba emphasized the need to address reckless driving and alcohol-related accidents, which are often at the heart of traffic fatalities. “Our law enforcement officers will clamp down on drinking and driving, as well as reckless behavior on our roads,” Xaba stated. To strengthen their efforts, the city has announced plans for extensive road safety operations, including multidisciplinary roadblocks aimed at curbing criminal activity and ensuring safer travel for all residents and visitors.
The eThekwini Municipality has also taken steps to increase police presence on the streets in the coming weeks. As part of their enhanced road safety plan, 500 new Metro Police officers will be deployed throughout the city following their training. This move is expected to boost police visibility, both on the roads and in local communities, as the city braces for a busy holiday season. Additionally, over 170 high-performance vehicles have been procured to ensure that Metro Police can patrol the streets around the clock, while specialized units will be deployed on horseback and bicycles at popular tourism spots.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, added his voice to the growing call for safer roads, particularly for those traveling to the province over the festive period. Mkhwanazi urged all drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before hitting the road. He also reminded motorists that it is illegal to drive without proper registration plates and emphasized that lawlessness would not be tolerated. “There is no room for lawlessness,” he said, highlighting the province’s commitment to enforcing the law and holding drivers accountable for their actions.
Mkhwanazi also made it clear that law enforcement would not hesitate to act against those breaking traffic laws. “Drinking and driving is a crime and is punishable by law,” he stressed. The message from both local and provincial authorities is clear: road safety is a top priority, and everyone must do their part to ensure safer roads this festive season. With heightened police visibility and strict enforcement, authorities hope to reduce accidents and save lives, preventing further tragedies like the one that claimed two lives on the N2 this week.
