Alarming road carnage in Gaborone West

Lekopanye Mooketsi | Monday September 15, 2014 12:12

 

According to police statistics, 15 people have died in 11 road fatalities in Gaborone West this year. This exceeds last year’s number, where nine people perished along the same roads.

Earlier this year, a couple passed away on the spot when the Mercedes Benz sedan they were travelling in veered off the road and crashed over a residential perimeter wall after the driver lost control.

Recently one person died on the scene a few metres from Bonnington junction when a bus slammed into a car at the traffic lights.

The driver lost control and collided with other vehicles. The bus driver is still on the run.

In another horrifying accident, five people perished when the VW Golf 5 they were travelling in collided with a truck last week Saturday, at the Molapo Crossing traffic lights.

The station commander for Gaborone West Police, Superintendent Agreement Mapeu, said they are concerned about the increasing road fatalities. 

He told The Monitor that they are putting measures in place to bring the situation under control.

Mapeu said in the past, vehicles speeding along the Western By-pass had hit even pedestrians. He said the most dangerous area is between West Gate shopping and Block 6.

He, however, noted that the accidents had abated after police mounted speed traps along the road.

Mapeu appealed to motorists to obey road signs and be patient. 

“We should be courteous and yield for one another on the road,” he said, adding that drivers should abide by the recommended speed limit and avoid drinking and driving.