Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says traffic authorities are investigating the car crash which claimed the life of Emalahleni Mayor Linah Malatjie and her husband Esau.
It is believed that the couple’s vehicle collided with another car on Sunday evening, 2 January 2022, on the R544 road between Gemsbokspruit and Verena in Mpumalanga.
Mbalula has reacted to Malatjie’s passing and expressed condolences to her friends and family.
“I send my sincere condolences to the families of all those involved in this tragic accident and to many that have lived through this terrible experience over the festive season period. All these are shared national loss and yet more sad reminders to all of us to be more careful, more caring for each other and more responsible on the roads”
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula
FELLOW MOTORIST ALSO KILLED IN ACCIDENT
The minister further confirmed that Mayor Linah Malatjie and her husband weren’t the only ones killed in the crash: The motorist in the mother vehicle was declared dead at the scene.
The Malatjies, however, succumbed to their injuries in hospital. As many South Africans make the way back home during the near-end of the festive period, Mbalula has urged motorists to be cautious and adhere to road rules.
“This is yet another tragic passing of South Africans on our roads since the start of the festive season. As we head back to our places work I urge all South Africans driving on our roads to be on high alert and observe all the rules of the road”
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula
There has been a flood of reaction over Malatjie’s death. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), of which she was a member, says Malatjie will be remembered as a strong and committed leader with a clear vision for Emalahleni.
“Serving as a member of the SALGA Mpumalanga provincial executive committee (PEC), Mayor Malatjie was an amazing and inspirational leader. Thanks to her rigour, professionalism and immense body of knowledge about local government affairs, which she generously shared, the organisation, municipality and the broader municipal government sector benefited considerably from this, and her passing is a profound loss”
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
