The R28. A stretch of road from Krugersdorp right through Randfontein, down past Mohlakeng, Zenzele and Westonaria. Cutting right through the West Rand, doing what it’s notorious for … taking!
A road that has no mercy for whoever seems to disrespect it … Certain stretches and pieces of this road have become places of slaughter. No one knows where, when or how – it just takes.
Cars flip and suddenly drivers lose control, and people end up in hospital, sometimes worse.
It takes what is precious. It takes who and what is most loved. It has become so dangerous to travel on. It scares the hell out of whomever.
Lose focus for a split second and it’s all over.
I’ve heard it all … I’ve seen it all.
They say the stretch between Randfontein and Leratong also does damage. You have to take care, they say. When travelling on that road, adhere to the rules and regulations of the road, and be extra careful at night.
Some still take the speed limit for granted, make illegal U-turns and stop wherever and whenever they wish, even while under the influence. Or is there something else to be blamed for the carnage?
Are there supernatural forces to blame?
Is there a mysterious entity involved or are criminal elements at work?
Who knows?
Questions that we ask ourselves. Weekend after weekend, we hear sirens on their way to an accident scene where the injured have to be attended to.
Some beloved aren’t so lucky. The communities can’t bury their loved ones every now and then because of a road – the one that stretches from Krugersdorp, right through Randfontein … that very same one.
Maybe we need more road signs, a lot more intersections, speed humps and drivers that actually respect the road. Mindful and responsible drivers.
Something must be done. I’ve heard stories of a motorcyclist who has been travelling on the road for years now. You can hear the motorcycle roaring in the early hours, but you will never physically see him or it. I’ve also heard about a guy that’s always standing there. Just standing, as if he’s waiting for a taxi, or hiking. Unexplained occurrences that boggle the mind.
Maybe I’m just paranoid, but the fact of the matter is that people lose their lives on that road and something must be done … seriously!
The 4-way stop on the R28 near a well-known business takes so many lives, it’s heartbreaking. I’ve noticed that people do not stop at the stop sign. During rush hour in the morning and at night, people do not give one another a chance to go. Stop and go simply does not apply.
We need an intersection at that 4-way stop. Speed humps or ridges to let drivers know there’s a stop ahead.
Anything to stop the carnage …