Residents who stay and work in that area said the lack of lights makes it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians who may be using the road at night. Two pedestrians died in two separate accidents.
THE LACK and non-functioning of street lights along the N12 by the Shell Ultra City in Kimberley has been blamed for some of the gruesome road accidents that have occurred on that road.
Residents who stay and work in that area said the lack of lights makes it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians who may be using the road at night.
Their concerns were raised following two gruesome accidents where two pedestrians died.
“There are so many people who are employed at the petrol station, the industrial area or the Flamingo Casino who make use of this road on a daily basis. Some of the workers have to walk home as they do not have their own personal transport. There is also no pedestrian crossing for people on foot when they make use of this road. Visibility of those on foot has proven to be a challenge several times as there have been so many accidents on these roads. Some motorists who use this road also do not stick to the speed limit or take those on foot into regard. Watching pedestrians run across the road is a daily occurrence on this road,” they said.
They accused the Sol Plaatje municipality of turning a deaf ear to their request for proper functioning street lights along the road.
“We have written several letters to the municipality where we asked them to address the lack of street lights in the area. This road is a hotspot for accidents and so many people have lost their lives. All these incidents do not seem to bother the municipality in the least. We are not certain how many more people must perish before the problem is addressed. We understand this is a national road, but something needs to be done from the municipality’s side to curb the continuous deaths,” they said.
Police spokesperson, Captain Tessa Jansen confirmed the accidents.
Two pedestrians died in two separate accidents with trucks. The first incident occurred at approximately 7:40pm on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 after a pedestrian allegedly ran in front of an oncoming truck travelling towards the Shell Ultra City on the N12. The deceased was dressed in a pair of black All Star tekkies, a dark blue hoodie and dark blue jeans,” said Jansen.
Jansen said the second accident occurred some hours after the first one.
“The second incident occurred on the N12 a few kilometres from the Shell Ultra City in the direction of Warrenton. According to the driver of a truck, he was driving to Hartswater when he felt something was wrong with the truck’s tyres. He turned back to the Ultra City petrol station to inspect the vehicle when he saw a blue and yellow blanket stuck to the undercarriage of the truck. The driver drove back to where he suspected something went wrong with the truck and discovered an unknown man lying next to the road. The deceased was dressed in adidas tekkies, a dark jacket, jeans and a blue t-shirt,” said Jansen.
Both the deceased were declared dead by the paramedics.
Jansen urged anyone who may know the identity of the deceased to contact the police.
“The Kimberley police are investigating two cases of culpable homicide. The investigating officer of both cases, Constable JR Webb, is requesting the assistance of the community in identifying both victims. Constable Webb can be contacted on 079 212 7682 or 053 838 4200,” said Jansen.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson, Thoko Riet said the municipality has already started with a project where they will electrify some areas which have no lighting.
“The municipality is busy with a list where we focus on providing lighting to some areas. We have already started with some streets in the city. The project started in July this year. Motorists are however urged to be cautious and vigilant when driving. We send our condolences to the affected families,” said Riet.
