08 Nov 2017

Letlapa Social Club in collaboration with Botswana Police and Road Safety Committee in Molepolole on November 4 identified donkey cart owners in three villages and sensitised them on road safety.

Three teams were dispatched to Mahetlwe, Hatsalatladi and Botlhapatlou not only to educate donkey cart owners, but also to urge them to put on reflective tapes on their carts.

They also gave them reflective jackets for their safety as well.

Giving the overview of the campaign, Letlapa Social Club chairperson, Mr Israel Mogonono said that they have a five-year plan that started last year.

Their main objective is to sensitise and educate donkey cart owners about safety on the roads.

This year alone, he said, they targeted five villages namely Mogonono, Hatsalatladi, Mahetlwe, Botlhapatlou and Suping.

Meanwhile, Department of Road Transport and Safety station manager, Mr Andrew Paledi commended the club for their noble gesture.

He said as a department they would continue to support the club in order for them to accomplish their mandate.

He further said the campaign had come at the right time towards the festive season, a period prone to road accidents, hence the need to equip road users with information as well as safety tips and equipment.

For his part, Assistant Superintendent Reuben Ramoleele explained that donkey carts are considered as vehicles and therefore entitled to be on the roads according to the Road Traffic Act.

However, he said donkey cart owners should make sure their carts as well as their donkeys are fit on the roads.

Only six donkeys are allowed to be harnessed when using a donkey cart whereas in the case of cattle, a maximum of 18 cattle can be yoked.

He also said if a donkey cart causes an accident it will be charged P500 fine.

When giving statistics of accidents involving animal drawn vehicles, he said in 2016, there were two fatal accidents that occurred along Molepolole/Hatsalatladi road in August.

In September, one accident occurred along Lentsweletau area claiming a life.

This year in June, one fatal accident was recorded along Molepolole/Hatsalatladi area and again on the same month, another fatal accident occurred at Moselele lands, where two people sustained serious injuries and one minor injury.

Another accident happened again in July at Mosinki lands, where minor injuries were sustained and the cart driver was charged.

Councillor for Boribamo East, Mr Allen Jacobs thanked the club for sensitising donkey cart owners about road safety, saying it was an important event.

Going forward, he said the donkey cart owners would use the roads aware of what needs to be done as they were now equipped with all the necessary information and tips as responsible citizens. ENDS