MEC promises to remove trucks from Fields Hill

MEC for the Department of Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison Willies Mchunu has vowed to restrict trucks on Fields Hill after 22 people were killed last Thursday.

Speaking at a memorial service held for dead victims at KwaNdengezi Sport Field, Mchunu said he does not understand why the trucks leave the N3 route and use Fields Hill.

“The N3 was built for the trucks. It’s built in such a way that even if the driver falls asleep there wouldn’t an accident.

“I will personally check the reports of people who said they have complained about trucks in the area, I will see who received them and what was the feedback if there was any,” he said.

Mchunu described the accident as the worst he’s seen since he took over as MEC.

“I have been to war zones in KZN in the past, but nothing beats this.

“Never in my life had I ever had to walk over corpses. This accident has scarred me for life, so I cannot even imagine what these families must be feeling.

“As the department we preach each and everyday that drivers should travel cautiously with roadworthy vehicles and they do not want to listen.

Mchunu said the truck was checked at the scene of the accident and it was discovered that it had no brakes.

“This truck came all the way from Johannesburg with no brakes, someone must be liable for this,” said Mchunu.