VIDEO: Prayer for deadly Mabopane freeway

Thousands of people use the freeway to get to Mabopane, Soshanguve, Rosslyn and other townships.

November 3, 2017

Thato Mahlangu 2 minutes read

Community members at the mass prayer meeting. Photo: Thato Mahlangu.

It would appear prayers of residents of Mabopane and Soshanguve are being answered – there has been a decrease in the number of fatal accidents on the notorious R80 highway.

@TrafficSA pic.twitter.com/mkw7ra2dBI

— John Molepo (@john_molepo_840) November 2, 2017

Thousands of people use the freeway between Pretoria and Mabopane, Soshanguve, Rosslyn and other townships daily.

Mass prayer organiser John Molepo, a former TUT FM radio host, said since last year’s mass prayer about 50 accidents had been prevented.

“With the prayer meeting, people became aware of the impact their driving was having on other road users,” he said.

ALSO READ: Dog rescued on Mabopane highway

@TrafficSA @KayaTraffic Its sad that after a prayer on Mabopane Highway yesterday 2 more accidents happened last night & now as well :-(

— Skhindi’Sabesuthu🇿🇦 (@Alfie012) November 18, 2016

Molepo said having organised the mass prayer, he noticed a decrease in accidents on the freeway which have claimed the lives of more than 300 people in recent years.

Donald Isaac Maluleke founder of Dimco, a charity organisation, said the accidents were costly and often left children orphaned.

“We can’t just let things continue as they are. This prayer meeting should speak to you as a driver who is driving recklessly on our roads. You should ask yourself how many people are you putting in danger,” he said.

Through his NGO, Maluleke has worked with a number of children whose parents and relatives have died while travelling on the Mabopane freeway.

He said Molepo’s efforts to restore safety on the deadly carriageway had been successful.

ALSO READ: NEWSFLASH: Three seriously injured in Mabopane Highway accident

“We should continue to help and support him where we can so we can create awareness and seek divine intervention,” Maluleke said.

Residents, businesses, churches and spiritual groups participated in the mass prayer.

Molepo said he chose this month as the festive season was approaching.

“People drive recklessly, especially during the festive season. Some use their phones while driving while others drive under the influence of alcohol which has been proven to be a major contributing factor,” he said.

https://twitter.com/Lesedi_S/status/925220980775153664

Molepo said last year in June about 35 people died on the freeway.

“In 2016 alone, 304 deaths were recorded,” he said.

Insert tweet:

https://twitter.com/YaredtheGuy/status/461472670501339136

So far, 249 people have died according to Molepo.

“This is a clear indication that our efforts in ensuring road safety are working.”

Tshwane Community to hold spiritual intervention, road safety campaign and remembrance of the loved ones who died… https://t.co/TROXmh61ya

— John Molepo (@john_molepo_840) October 31, 2017

Road accident fund awareness at mabopane highway next to block xx causing major traffic from Rosslyn offramp @TrafficSA pic.twitter.com/gtJeTdrFpP

— Kgaugelo Lolly (@KgaugeloLaurett) November 2, 2017

Soshanguve taxi association said it was concerned about motorists who are using cellphones while behind the wheel.

According to the road traffic management corporation figures 12 944 fatalities happened on South African roads last year.

ALSO READ: Tshwane residents pray on Mabopane highway

#MabopaneHighWay The community of Tshwane is expected to gather here for a mass prayer ahead of the festive season @The_New_Age pic.twitter.com/oKTUDUTKZN

— KutulloMokone (@kutulloMm) November 2, 2017