Community calls for traffic safety measures after fatal taxi accident

Tears flowed at the corners of Duinefontein Road and Jordaan Street as the heartbroken family of Louise Diedericks, 50, from Manenberg, gathered after she died tragically when a taxi crashed into her on Monday night. 

Daughter, Laeeqah Swartz, 29, said they rushed to the scene after being informed that her mom was injured. 

An emotional Swartz said: ‘My mom has four children and three grandchildren and was on her way home from work when the accident happened. I was at home and when we heard, I ran to the scene with my friends, but they had already covered her face. On the scene the people told us that the driver jumped a red robot and hit her as she was crossing. She was still standing in the yellow lane and the taxi crashed right into her. Because of the extent of her injuries she passed away. The driver was taken away by the police." 

Swartz said many residents have concerns about the speeds at which drivers travel along Duinefontein Road. 

"They drive like pigs and everyone says so," Swartz said. 

"My mom was a loving person and we are still in shock that she is no longer with us.

"She worked at Mimos in Gatesville and was a very dedicated mother who worked every day for her family. We are going to miss her."

Police spokesperson, Ian Bennett, confirmed the incident.

"We can confirm that a 50-year-old woman was declared deceased on the scene.

"A 31-year-old taxi driver will appear on charges of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving at Athlone Magistrate's Court on Wednesday." 

Vernon Visagie of the Manenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) called for an investigation into possible traffic calming measures along the notorious road, saying urgent intervention is needed. 

"The problem with Duinefontein Road is that it is a main arterial which runs right through Manenberg and Heideveld and the speeds that people travel is very concerning.

"So many deaths have been recorded on that road as motorists just ignore red lights, especially the taxis.

"We have major concerns about the ongoing issues especially as many scholars use Duinefontein Road to access schools and other facilities.

"It is central to the taxi route and the last time we asked for traffic calming measures they said speed humps were not possible.

"We have proposed a footbridge and we don’t know if that will be viable or if it will solve the problem but we do know something must be done before more lives are lost," said Visagie.

Cape Argus