Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has expressed deep concern following a serious road crash involving a scholar transport vehicle, which occurred at approximately 7am this morning, on the N4 eastbound, near Atteridgeville, Tshwane.
“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children. Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” the MEC said on Monday.
According to reports, a nine-seater Toyota Condor - transporting 17 school children - collided with a Mercedes-Benz after the driver allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by diverting onto an old dirt road before re-entering the highway.
It is believed that the driver was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
All 17 learners were transported to a hospital with varying degrees of injuries. No fatalities have been reported.
The MEC has reiterated her call for intensified law enforcement operations to root out illegal and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles and to ensure full compliance with road safety regulations.
She further emphasised that the driver must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent children through irresponsible behaviour.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and enforcement to safeguard learners and restore discipline on the province’s roads. -SAnews.gov.za
