109 killed on SA roads

At least 109 people have died on South Africa’s roads since the start of the Easter weekend.

Thousands of people started making their way home from their holiday destinations on Sunday afternoon and traffic is expected to peak on the country's major highways just after lunchtime on Monday.

Traffic authorities say they will be closely monitoring the N1 south from Polokwane to Pretoria, as members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and Zimbabweans make their way home.

The N3 north from Durban to Gauteng, the N4 from Nelspruit to Pretoria and the N1 north between the Western Cape and Mangaung are also expected to experience heavy traffic.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Ashraf Ismail says while preliminary figures show road deaths are down compared to 2011, they are still very concerned.

“Rain is forecasted in various parts of the country and we are extremely worried about it. Traffic officials are on high alert.”

At least 203 people lost their lives on the country’s roads in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Department Home Affairs says it has increased the number of staff manning the border post and extended its working hours.

Almost 60,000 people left the country during the Easter period.

- EWN