A wild animal reportedly crossed the road unexpectedly, leaving the driver unable to avoid a collision. Finance, economic development, and tourism MEC Ketso Makume and both his protectors reportedly escaped without serious injuries.

“While we acknowledge that this news may cause concern,” said departmental spokesperson Mojalefa Mphapang, “we respectfully request that the MEC, his protectors, and their families be afforded the necessary space and privacy to recover, and to enable them to resume their duties at the earliest opportunity.”

In September, another top Free State ANC official was involved in a crash in the same area. Provincial secretary Polediso Motsoeneng was returning from a provincial working committee meeting in Bethlehem when his vehicle reportedly slipped and overturned on the N5 highway outside Paul Roux. He escaped with moderate injuries.

Road safety in the province remains a growing concern. Authorities noted a rise in fatal crashes in the run-up to last year’s holiday season, prompting intensified enforcement efforts.

According to the National Traffic Information System, 35,319 vehicles in the province were declared unroadworthy in December, including taxis, buses, and other commercial vehicles.

Transport MEC Jabu Mbalula and Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae have repeatedly advised motorists to obey traffic laws, remain patient, and exercise caution on the roads.

In November, ten people were confirmed dead following a bus accident on the N8 between Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. The crash, involving a bus and a truck, left five commuters moderately injured, 19 with minor injuries, and six critically injured.

The province also recorded a sharp rise in crashes and fatalities over the Easter weekend. A total of eight fatalities in 71 crashes were recorded across the Free State. Seven fatalities were recorded in the same period last year. This year's accidents included 31 pedestrian-vehicle collisions, 23 vehicle overturns, and ten head-on crashes.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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