 
NDEBELE TAKES ROADWORTHY CHECKS TO TAXI RANKSKwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S’bu Ndebele has called on all law enforcement officers around the province to carry out more inspections on mini-bus taxis and buses for overloading and roadworthiness following this morning’s taxi crash on the M4 Southern Freeway Durban, which claimed the lives of three people. Minister Ndebele was deeply disturbed to hear of yet another horror crash that could have been avoided. The collision happened shortly before 08:30 this morning (22/03/2002) between the Jacobs and Queensburgh Off Ramps. It is alleged that the minibus taxi which was conveying workers to the Durban City Centre from Umlazi, veered out of control and overturned after the left rear tyre burst. Three people (two men and a woman) died at the scene and fourteen others including the taxi driver suffered slight to moderate injuries. The injured were treated at the scene and later taken to various hospitals in the City Centre. Police are investigating three counts of culpable homicide including overloading. Mr Ndebele conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that a full investigation will be conducted into the crash. Minister Ndebele said if all road users commit themselves to road safety, the number of lives that are being lost on our roads can decrease and the pain caused to families will end "We cannot tolerate the deaths of innocent passengers. Passengers must not agree to get into an overloaded taxi and must also insist that drivers drive within the speed limit. We urge people to call the Impimpa Hotline 086 221 10 10 or the RTI toll free number 0800 33 99 11 and report any serious road offence, un-roadworthy vehicles, overloading, etc. Law enforcement officers will deal with un-roadworthy and overloaded taxis without mercy and compromise and roadworthy checks will also be extended to taxi ranks. Authorities will have no hesitation in taking vehicles and drivers off the road," Minister Ndebele said.
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