Easter weekend claims 10 lives

Road accidents over the Easter weekend have claimed at least 10 lives.

During the same period last year, the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund recorded 35 crashes, resulting in five fatalities and 106 injuries.

According to MVA spokesperson Kaume Itumba, 10 people were recorded to have died in road accidents nationwide from 24-31 March this year.

He indicated that they have also recorded 60 crashes and 113 injuries in those days.

“In response to these figures, road safety partners have initiated heightened roadblock activations to mitigate potential accidents and casualties during the Easter holiday,” he said. The notable accident happened on Friday, 29 March, approximately 67 kilometres north of Otjiwarongo.

Two individuals, Kandali Kambonde (5) and Johannes Jogeni Nakale (34), lost their lives in this accident when a minibus overturned after a rear tyre burst.

“Owning a vehicle comes with the privilege and responsibility of operating it safely on public roads. Always make sure your car tyres are roadworthy before travelling,” he advised.

He said traffic officers now and then come across vehicles that are not roadworthy – and in most cases, drivers are aware of the defects but they choose to ignore them.

“This type of behaviour not only poses a risk to themselves but also to other road users. Vehicle inspection is crucial in ensuring that vehicles are fit to be on the road, and its importance cannot be overstated,” he added.

Itumba indicated that the primary reason for vehicle inspection is to ensure road safety.

Headdedthatwell-maintained and regularly inspected vehicles reduce the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures or issues that can be prevented if detected earlier.