Runners lay flowers at scene of accident
MIDRAND - Two years ago on 22 October a drunk driver ploughed into a group of runners on Lever Road in Midrand.
Photo by Paulo Jorge
Five women died, and one was critically injured. Midrand running clubs Breakthru Midrand Striders, Kyalami Running Club and Vodacom Striders had a memorial run to remember the women who died. The participants ran from Vodaworld to the scene of the accident on Lever Road, near Country View Gardens.
Duanne Newman, outgoing chairperson of Breakthru Midrand said, “Runners’ safety is close to our hearts. As a running club we are conscious of the fact that any of us could be victims of road accidents. Breakthru Midrand Striders organised the memorial run as a commitment to Mashudu Mills, the mother of one of the victims, that we will never forget. I remember the morning of the accident very well because I was taking part in a race in Jacaranda’s City Challenge 21km race.”
Newman added, “The runners who died did all the things the right way. They were running facing oncoming traffic but a drunk driver drove into another lane and hit the runners from behind.”
Mashudu Mills, Midrand 5 campaign representative and mother of one of the victims, attended the memorial, along with the only survivor of the accident, Khanyi Stengile.
Mills said, “Ever since the accident, when the date is 22 October I become very emotional. I cannot express how I feel, it is hard. I appreciate the running clubs and the support they have shown me, telling me that they will be with me through the pain. I am grateful to my family and friends who drove from Pretoria and Alberton to make me realise that I am not alone on this painful path. I am asking all runners, cyclists, bikers, pedestrians and motorists to support us on this cause and the case that is starting in November. Midrand 5 is a campaign that supports road safety, as all road users can become victims of road accidents.”
Tim Walwyn, Breakthru Midrand’s new chairperson commented, “We want to draw attention to the safety of all road users. The memorial run is a reminder that runners’ lives were lost due to drunk driving.”
The case against the motorist will start in November at the Pretoria High Court. The accused, Sibusiso Langa, is charged with five counts of murder, one of attempted murder and driving under the influence of alcohol.
