Carlo Petersen17 December 2024 | 6:00

In wake of deadly Graaf-Reinet collision, motorists urged to be cautious on SA's roads

The head-on collision, which claimed 15 lives, happened on the N9 just outside Graaff-Reinet early on Monday morning.

In wake of deadly Graaf-Reinet collision, motorists urged to be cautious on SA's roads

At least 14 people were killed in a collision between a taxi and an SUV on the N9 about 30 kilometres away from Graaff-Reinet in the eastern cape on 16 December 2024. Picture: @_ArriveAlive/X

CAPE TOWN - Traffic officials are urging motorists to practice extreme caution on the roads following a crash in the Eastern Cape that left 15 people dead.
 
The head-on collision, involving an SUV and a minibus taxi, happened on the N9 just outside Graaff-Reinet early on Monday morning.
 
Makhaya Komisa, spokesperson for provincial Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha, said that the cause of the crash was being investigated.

"Transport and Community MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed his deep sadness regarding the accident, offering sincere condolences to the grieving families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He continues to urge motorists to drive cautiously and to reduce speed."
 
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson, Simon Zwane, echoed the sentiment.

"We want to call on motorists to exercise caution on the roads and peopel to better manage fatigue because we know that exhaustion both physical and mental exhaustion affects a driver's judgement."
 
Officials said that the cause of the accident was still being investigated.