Still no closure in RTI test tragedy

A YEAR after the deaths of eight aspirant Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) recruits in a tragedy that rocked the province, families of the victims are still waiting for answers.

The commission of inquiry into the deaths of the eight applicants for traffic officer jobs has been extended to August next year and is expected to cost about R14 million.

Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesman for the KwaZuluNatal premier’s office, confirmed that a total of R5.5 million was originally budgeted for the commission, which was scheduled to be completed by the end of September this year.

However, owing to delays and numerous testimonies taking longer than expected, the commission has been extended.

Its mandate is to probe the deaths of the eight people who took part in a 4km run at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg as part of the RTI fitness tests in December last year.

To qualify, men had to complete the run in less than 25 minutes. Women had 30 minutes.

More than 34 000 people qualified to apply for 90 RTI trainee posts. These vacancies are yet to be filled.

Of these, 15 600 applicants attended a fitness test on December 27 and a similar number on December 28.

Scores of people were admitted to hospital after taking part.

Seven allegedly died from dehydration and heatstroke, while the eighth was reported to have committed suicide after failing to pass.

The commission is investi- gating the handling of the RTI’s selection process, and will report on whether statutory requirements were adhered to and if negligence by any officials contributed to deaths or injuries.

The inquiry may recommend disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.

Shocked

Thandiwe Gumede, mother of Xolani Gumede, 29, who participated in the test on December 27 and died at Edendale Hospital six days later, said that she was anxiously waiting for closure.

She was shocked by what had happened to her son and still did not know how or why he had died.

She said the last time she heard her son’s voice was the day before his death, when she called him at the hospital and he told her he was in pain.

“Someone must be responsible for my son’s death. He was such a good, strong boy. My life is not the same without him,” a tearful Gumede said.

Sabathile Mhlanga, mother of Sibankaliso Mhlanga, 30, who participated in the fitness test on December 28 and collapsed and died at the stadium, said that she would not rest until those responsible for her son’s death had been brought to justice.

“How can a department shortlist so many thousands of people for so few jobs? These poor children were so excited for an opportunity to be employed that they did whatever they were told. My son ran in the blazing heat to prove himself and he died. Someone must pay,” she said.

The commission, which is currently in recess due to the festive season, will resume next month.