By Bhekisisa Mncube
Durban – The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, says he will not resign over calls from opposition parties and the media following the tragic death of 22 people in Field’s Hill, Pinetown, last week.
Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of a memorial service held in KwaNdengezi Sports Ground outside of Durban, Mchunu said: “I am saddened by the calls for my resignation at the time of national mourning.”
He said it was astonishing that the calls for his head were not equally matched by a similar cry for owners of the killer truck to be prosecuted.
“I don’t understand how the resignation of a MEC can solve our myriad problems caused mainly by motorists’ blatant disregard of traffic laws and companies who put un-roadworthy trucks on our roads, often with inexperienced drivers.”
During his address to thousands of mourners who braved the chilly weather, the MEC said preliminary investigations show that the truck that ploughed into four taxis and cars in Field’s Hill last week, killing 19 people instantly and three others later, “had faulty brakes and its licence had expired”.
Mchunu said in the wake of the tragedy, he, in conjunction with the national government and eThekwini Metro Municipality, assembled a task team to examine “the desirability of heavy trucks using the M13”.
“The task team mandate is broad in that it has to take into account all factors that may affect businesses in the area of Pinetown, should a ban on heavies be instituted. We have to consult with the trucking industry, interest groups, taxi industry and any other potential stakeholder that may be affected,” he explained.
The MEC said government could not have a “kneejerk response” as a result of public pressure and opposition parties without the proper understanding of all intricate issues involved – including the social and economic factors.
“If there is any law that needs to be amended, we will do so.
“I have already presented a preliminary report to the Cabinet that takes into account all previous studies done with regard to the M13, and various options proposed by various interest groups. The main aim of the task team is to make a final determination on the use of M13 that will eliminate road carnage once and for all,” he said.
Mchunu said at the next sitting of the provincial legislature, the Cabinet document on Field’s Hill will be made public.
He did not rule out the possibility of prosecuting the truck owners once all investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the grieving families are contemplating a class legal action against the owners of the killer truck.
“We are consulting with other affected families so that we can take a collective legal action against the truck owners. We have no grudge against the driver – he was just trying to earn a living like the rest of us. It is the truck owners who must face the music. We want them to pay for this carnage,” said Thembisa Nompula, who lost her younger sister Ntombifuthi (22).
Stephen Mokoatle (25) of Hammardale lost his mother in the carnage.
“We are heartbroken. My mother was the only breadwinner at home. I don’t even know what to say to my younger brother (9), who is still at primary school,” Mokoatle said.
He also revealed that their mother was in the process of rebuilding their home as the present house is falling apart. – SAnews.gov.za
