Modderrivier accident death toll rises to seven
Member of Parliament Patrick Mabilo visited one of the bereaved families in Ritchie on Monday. Picture: Facebook
THE DEATH toll from the Modderrivier accident on the N12 on the weekend has risen to seven.
The accident occurred on Sunday at around 1.30pm, when a red Corsa bakkie reportedly collided with an SANDF minibus at the intersection between Modderrivier and Ritchie.
Northern Cape SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that five passengers in the bakkie died on October 6 after sustaining injuries.
“Two more males died in hospital on October 7, bringing the number of deaths to seven men who are between the ages of 20 and 50 years old,” added Kock.
“Further investigations revealed that eight male occupants were travelling in the bakkie, seven of whom have since passed away from injuries sustained in the accident.”
Kock said that all of the deceased were residents of Ritchie and surrounding areas.
“They were identified as Daniel Kula, Willem Kula, Roland Booysen, Elton Geduld, Tshepo Ramakatsa, Quinton Ramakatsa and Dogo Papier.”
Kock said further that the 15 occupants of the SANDF minibus, including 11 women and four men, were discharged from hospital on Monday after receiving medical treatment.
“The Modderrivier SAPS are investigating a case of culpable homicide,” he added.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) member Patrick Mabilo visited one of the bereaved families in Ritchie on Monday. The family had lost both a father and a son in the accident.
Mabilo described the accident as a tragedy. "The other affected families reside in Modderrivier, Boshof, Jacobsdal, Greenpoint in Kimberley, and Ritchie. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery."
Mabilo also stated that he would approach the Road Accident Fund to assist the families with funeral arrangements and burials.
“The Modderrivier and Ritchie intersection is accident-prone and I will engage with the provincial authorities to increase traffic police visibility in the area, especially over weekends. Many accidents occur due to speeding and driving under the influence. The late former MEC Mxolisi Sokatsha was also involved in an accident on the same road,” Mabilo noted.
Mabilo indicated that the area falls within his constituency, where he is committed to improving service delivery and holding municipalities accountable for road safety and other local issues.
