The Premier of the North West Province Mr Supra Mahumapelo on Sunday sent a message of condolence to the families of 15 people who lost their lives following this past weekend’s fatal accident which happened on the N18 road between Taung and Magogong, south-west of Vryburg. The twenty-five (25) people who sustained injuries are being treated at Hartswater, Taung and Klerksdorp hospitals. The accident reportedly happened on Saturday afternoon when a bakkie and a taxi collided.

Sending the Provincial Government’s condolences, Mahumapelo said, “We offer our sincere condolences and express our deepest sympathy to the members of the bereaved families and the injured. We also wish the injured a full and swift recovery”, Mahumapelo said.

Premier Mahumapelo confirmed that he has already contacted the Northern Cape Premier Ms Sylvia Lucas to extend the North West province’s condolences and to offer cooperation on how the families could he assisted with funeral arrangements.

Mahumapelo who voiced his concern about the loss of many lives following this tragic accident, appealed to road users to obey all the rules of the road, exercise caution and show good behaviour while on the road.

He also committed the provincial Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to ensuring that road safety campaigns are intensified and that law enforcement officers show no mercy to traffic law violators.

A case for culpable homicide against a 59 year old man who was driving the bakkie, is being investigated by the Northern Cape police.

Issued by: North West Office of the Premier