GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Roadblocks will be a common occurrence in Graaff-Reinet during the festive season to secure the safety of motorists passing through town.

Head of Protection Services in Graaff-Reinet, Dennis Fortuin, says regular traffic stops will be held to check for vehicle roadworthiness, fitness of drivers and outstanding warrants and traffic violations.

This will help to minimise road accidents that have plagued our roads since the beginning of the festive season.

On Monday morning a horrific accident happened just outside Graaff-Reinet in which 14 people lost their lives in a head-on collision on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg.

The driver and all five passengers of a Hyundai Creta were killed instantly while travelling towards Graaff-Reinet. Eight individuals in the Quantum minibus that was travelling from the Western Cape, died on the scene. 

The other 11 occupants were transported to hospital.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

On behalf of the provincial government, Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has expressed his sincere condolences to the grieving families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured passengers. 

Nqatha said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of these passengers, and as a province, we are gravely concerned about the rising number of deaths on our roads. I urge all motorists to be patient and to drive cautiously, especially as traffic volumes increase during this time of year." 

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