By: Gift Nyamapfene

The head of Durban Metro Police, Commissioner Eugene Nzama stepped up traffic inspection operations on Fields Hill after an accident involving a truck killed more than 20 people in the area this month.

Metro police reported on Friday that Nzama had ordered trucks found to be unroadworthy by officers, be impounded pending the remedying of identified faults. Some of the trucks that have been using the route are either not registered in accordance with traffic laws or escaping e-toll fees.

Metro police spokesperson, Eugene Msomi said, “This has resulted in 18 trucks being impounded for various defects and suspected irregular authorisation permits.”

Nzama instructed officers to work with the city’s Informal Trade Department. The officers’ mandate is to ensure that informal traders operating in the proximity of traffic intersections work in adherence to the safety standards contained in the provisions of the National Road traffic Act.

Informal traders at busy intersections are believed to be a traffic hazard and create an unsafe environment for drivers and themselves. The operation will likely cause a drag in traffic movement during the time period of Metro police activity. “Whereas this approach is likely to create inconvenience in the freight transport industry, Metro police request the understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders,” said Msomi.

Earlier this month, a heavy goods truck collided with four taxis and a light motor vehicle at the base of Fields Hill (M13) in Pinetown killing more than 20 people and injuring at least 30. It emerged that the truck’s licence disk had expired and that the driver, Sanele May (23), might have been attempting to circumvent vehicle inspection and tolls.

The death truck on Fields hill killed more than 20 people and injured dozens. Photo courtesy: sabcnews.com

KwaZulu Natal Transport MEC, Willies Mchunu said in a media briefing that “Truck drivers heading to Durban often attempt to avoid paying toll road fees. We suspect that is what happened in this case”.

May is currently facing 22 counts of murder and one of reckless and negligent driving.