A pedestrian tragically lost his life on the N17 in Wadeville, Ekurhuleni, on Friday after he was struck by a light motor vehicle.

The man, who has not yet been identified, was said to have been crossing the freeway when he was hit by the vehicle and was pronounced deceased on the scene. 

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson William Ntladi said that the incident happened at around 7 am. Traffic was severely affected. 

“ All three lanes had to be temporarily closed during on-scene operations. Subsequently, one lane was opened to ease traffic flow,” said Ntladi.

Unfortunately, two other vehicles were involved in a minor crash while trying to avoid the initial crash.

“The driver of the initial pedestrian crash escaped with minor injuries and was transported by the Gauteng Provincial Government Ambulance services to a medical facility for further care. The occupants of the second crash had no injuries,” said Ntladi.

In South Africa, crossing the freeway is not only a dangerous act, but according to the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management it is also illegal and can lead to an arrest. Pedestrians are not allowed to walk or even cross the freeway, yet jaywalking remains one of the most contributing human factors of pedestrian fatalities. 

Arrive Alive shows that approximately 35-40% deaths in South Africa are pedestrian deaths. Road users are advised to comply with the road act and to not find themselves on the other side of the law

IOL News 

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