Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Hilton Maasdorp and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng will formally escalate the rising number of road accidents on the R26 between Bakenpark and Bohlokong to secure urgent road safety interventions and prevent further loss of life.
The growing number of motor vehicle accidents on this stretch of the R26 has already claimed the lives of two people.
Of grave concern is that during the financial year from January to 31 December 2024, 30 accidents were recorded, including one fatality. From the beginning of 2025 up to the end of August 2025, a further 29 accidents were recorded, also resulting in one fatality.
We hereby issue an urgent appeal to local authorities and motorists in Bethlehem and surrounding areas to exercise heightened vigilance when using this road. This is a critically important transport route and frequently results in tragic consequences.
We have already formally communicated our concerns in writing to the local municipal manager regarding the ongoing road safety risks on this route.
Over the past year and beyond, this specific section of road has repeatedly been the scene of serious collisions, injuries, and fatalities. This alarming pattern demands a coordinated and urgent response from all road users and the relevant authorities.
The DA will submit a formal written letter in the Free State Legislature, to immediately inform the Department of Roads and Transport of the situation, the number of lives already lost on this road, and the unacceptably high level of fatalities.
Several factors may be contributing to these incidents, including excessive speeding, distracted driving, poor or faded road markings, inadequate road signage, and possibly deteriorating road conditions.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. It begins with every individual behind the wheel, but it also requires authorities to urgently intensify their law enforcement, monitoring, and road maintenance.
We cannot afford to continue with a situation in which recurring accidents and deaths occur, many of which could, in numerous cases, have been prevented.
The DA will continue to pursue this matter until decisive intervention takes place to enhance road safety on the R26.