Dangers of blue light vehicles in spotlight

THE CRASH that involved a vehicle from KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu’s security detail which killed two people on the N2 has resulted in renewed calls for banning or stringent regulation of blue lights vehicles.

Nonto Xima and Buyi Hadebe died and three were injured when their Toyota Yaris collided with a Ford Ranger transporting bodyguards at Nonoti in KwaDukuza (Stanger) on Friday.

Mchunu’s bodyguards sustained minor injuries.

There was still confusion as to how the accident happened, amid claims that only two vehicles were involved and a truck had been involved and the driver sped away.

There have also been claims that Mchunu had been at the scene, but his office dismissed this, saying he had been at his home in Empangeni.

Mchunu has since ordered a toplevel probe into the incident.

In a statement, the premier said there were many unanswered questions and confusing reports regarding separate accidents along this route. “It is for this reason that I have instructed my special adviser on good governance, advocate Linda Zama, to liaise with law enforcement agencies such as the ( the police) and Road Traffic Inspectorate.”

Mchunu sent his condolences to the families and friends of the victims. He said the families would be helped by the provincial government to “ensure their loved ones received a decent burial”.

He made the announcement after meeting the families in KwaMbonambi and uMhlathuze.

“Officials from the human rights unit and the office of status of women and children unit in the Office of the Premier will assist in the co-ordination of the government’s interventions. Our priority is to provide counselling to the families… The Road Accident Fund will assist the families, including those who were injured… “

The premier said funeral arrangements for Hadebe and Ximba would be announced this week.