THE Government has taken a step to charge the driver of a Mzansi Express Bus for reckless driving following his trending video on TikTok, where he was speeding while attempting to overtake a haulage truck carrying highly flammable gases.
This action could have potentially resulted in a road traffic accident.
The driver violated road traffic rules by attempting to overtake a haulage truck on a two-way road with a single lane, endangering oncoming traffic.
The driver narrowly avoided a collision by swerving to the side and positioning themselves in front of the haulage truck.
However, the haulage truck managed to slow down, preventing an accident.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, said the driver of the cross-border bus will be prosecuted to curb this negligent driving.
“Informed by the foregoing violations and verified videographic evidence, the Ministry will ensure that the driver of the cross- border bus is prosecuted. I have directed that the provisions of the law be implemented dutifully, consistently, and religiously with the view to tame this negligence and recklessness”, said Minister Mhona.
Minister Mhona said the public should be careful while driving to avoid road traffic accidents caused by public service vehicles (PSVs), as there were high numbers in a short period of time that resulted in deaths and injuries to people.
“It is also saddening to note that during the period 15th 26th December 2023 alone, 87 people died and 424 were injured because of road traffic accidents. The nation cannot afford to continue experiencing these incessant road fatalities caused by recklessness and negligence by Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers”, he said.
Minister Mhona urged transport drivers to desist from overspeeding, reckless driving, and neglecting road traffic rules, as the Ministry and the law won’t hesitate to suspend licenses and impose severe penalties against persons found guilty.
“Pursuant to this, I wish to reiterate and warn all Transport Operators, Associations, motorists, and members of the public that the Ministry will take stern measures provided by our laws against those who wantonly and blatantly violate road traffic rules and regulations. The safety and security of all road users cannot be taken for granted. We will not hesitate to suspend and cancel licenses of drivers and operators who violate traffic rules and regulations,” said Minister Mhona.-Zimpapers
