Another crash at notorious intersection

Date: 07 August 2014 By: Linda van der Westhuizen

The notorious Munnik and Breda Street intersection in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) has seen yet another accident.

The collision occurred just after 11:00 on 30 July, the force of which threw the one vehicle right into the palisade fence of an adjacent house on the corner of the intersection. Judging by the damage to the vehicles, it was a miracle that no one sustained injuries.

According to local police spokesperson WO Takalani Madzhigili, the two vehicles involved were a bakkie driven by Mr Esau Pandelani and a sedan driven by Mr Anderson Magwira. “A case of reckless and negligent driving is being investigated, and both drivers are suspects…” said Madzhigili. The case docket will be submitted to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) for a decision.

The report does not state which vehicle was travelling in Munnik Street. More often than not, motorists skip the stop signs in Munnik Street at this intersection. Traffic in Breda Street have the right of way and do not need to stop. This intersection nearly claimed a life in June 2012 and many vehicles have been severely damaged in collisions here.

But why is this sad history still repeating itself? 

“Accidents seem to occur every three or four weeks at that intersection. I will once again recommend to the town council that the intersection should rather become a four-way stop,” said local DA Councillor Brian du Plooy.

In reaction to the accident, the municipal manager, Mr Sakkie Mutshinyali, said that he would check the Munnik and Breda intersection by 7 August, speak to the traffic people and then apply his mind as to what would be the best course of action.

Upon investigation by the Zoutpansberger, it appeared that the stop sign in Munnik Street, for vehicles travelling north, is situated further from the roadside and is somewhat obscure. There are almost no road markings left and only the last two letters of STOP are barely visible. The stop sign on the opposite corner is very faded, as are the road markings.

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Linda van der Westhuizen

Linda van der Westhuizen has been with Zoutnet since 2001. She has a heart for God, people and their stories. Linda believes that every person is unique and has a special story to tell. It follows logically that human interest stories is her speciality. Linda finds working with people and their leaders in the economic, educational, spiritual and political arena very rewarding. “I have a special interest in what God is doing in our town, province and nation and what He wants us to become,” says Linda.

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