Share

55 Cape kids killed walking to school

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape education department has demanded that drivers to be more vigilant on roads near schools.

So far in 2014 (October) at least 55 small children have been knocked down and killed on Western Cape roads - such as this little guy:

A department statement reported: "At 7.38am on Friday August 8 a little boy called Inga Mtekwana was struck and killed on a pedestrian crossing at Nkazimlo Primary in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, on his way to school.

"Inga is not alone.... most of these children were little boys, just like Inga."

'CHANGE BEHAVIOUR'

MEC Debbie Schafer visited the school and took part in "a long short walk" and pupil patrol demonstration conducted by the road safety management team to help roads near schools safer for children who walk to and from school.

The department added: "Together with the department of transport and public work's 'Safely Home' campaign, we will continue to highlight the plight of child pedestrians on our roads, particularly in this month of October in which child pedestrian safety is the focus for the campaign."

The department called for a change in behaviour and attitude towards road safety so that fewer laaities become road statistics. So does Wheels24 - get your act together, Cape Town, it could be your son or daughter next.

Wheels24's suggestion: serious speed humps outside every school. Stop talking in committees, get out there with picks, shovels and tarmac.

Anybody got a better idea - no machine-gun nests please! Let's have them by email please.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE