Gauteng Traffic Police have warned motorists to exercise caution on the road with an anticipated heavy traffic build-up as people head back after the long weekend.
Already six people have died in separate road crashes in Gauteng since Friday. Factors contributing to road crashes include unsafe overtaking, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Gauteng Traffic spokesperson Sello Maremane says over 70 motorists have been arrested since Friday for driving under the influence of alcohol.
“The following routes are expected to be busy this afternoon. The N1 from Polokwane to Pretoria, the N4 from Emalahleni to Pretoria, N4 from Rusternburg to Pretoria, the N12 from Potchefstroom to Johannesburg, N1 from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg, N3 from Durban to Johannesburg. Gauteng Traffic police will be on high alert to ensure everyone is safe.”
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, at least 2 people are confirmed dead and 18 injured in a crash involving a fuel tanker and one of the long distance buses.
The crash occurred on Monday morning on the N2 near Kwelera between East London and Kei Bridge in Butterworth.
The fully-loaded bus was heading towards East London when it collided with a fuel tanker travelling in the opposite direction. The tanker immediately caught fire after the crash and 2 were declared dead on the scene while others sustained injuries.
Emergency personnel remains on the scene to rescue those still trapped in the wreckage. The circumstances surrounding the cause of the crash are still unknown.
Some of the injured have been transported to Frere Hospital in East London.
