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Pothole blamed for three-car crash

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Three cars were involved in an accident in Schmidtsdrift Road on Tuesday. According to one of the drivers, a big pothole was the cause of the accident.

The pothole in Schmidtsdrift Road. Picture: Supplied

POTHOLES in Kimberley are like slot machines in a casino; they are all over. Some are bigger than others, some take up more space than others and, at the end of the day, they all cost you money.

This statement became a reality for several Kimberley residents when three motorists were involved in an accident in Schmidtsdrift Road on Tuesday.

According to one of the drivers, Mary-Jane Pheko, “all of this could have been avoided if the Sol Plaatje Municipality had stopped being negligent”.

Pheko explained that the driver of a silver Ford EcoSport “swerved out to miss a pothole” and entered her lane.

“He then struck my car on the side and, as I was trying to swerve out for him, I hit a lady in a maroon Palio …”

She explained that the police were at the scene and, “luckily”, one of the police officers saw the accident as it happened.

“Our municipality should be held liable for this, as there is no warning sign to indicate that the road has been dug up … because the pothole is a result of them [the municipality] fixing a pipe and not even closing the hole they dug up in the road.

“This is pure negligence from our municipality.”

Sol Plaatje Municipality acting spokesperson Thoko Riet said that they are aware of the accident that occurred in Schmidtsdrift Road on Tuesday.

“We are awaiting the accident report from the SAPS, which will be available by next Friday, and only then can we comment on the matter,” said Riet.

According to Riet, the issue of the pothole will be looked at.

“Our roads department has unfortunately run out of material to seal potholes, but we will make alternatives to fill potholes, especially at the busy intersections,” she said.

“We advise motorists to be cautious on the roads and to drive carefully.”

Three cars were involved in an accident in Schmidtsdrift Road on Tuesday. Pictures: Supplied
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