Mofolo residents say that motorists do not even slow down in front of the local primary school (File photo)

Machaba Drive is a busy road along main taxi routes and is heavily used by local commuters. Residents say that several children have been struck down in the road by cars since the beginning of the year.

According to Mofolo resident Fikile Mtshali, the community has started a petition asking that local government install speed bumps on the road after the road claimed its latest child victim.

“The accident was not the first time but even though reported it to our councillors, they ignored it,” Mtshali told OurHealth.

Thandi Mabaso said she welcomes the measure.

“I am supporting the partition to say we want speed humps here,” she said. “We face the challenge of people, especially children, being killed by cars that are driving at high speeds. “

Several speeding cars have actually broken through Mabaso’s front wall. She says her family’s has now placed large rocks in the front garden in hopes of slowing cars down before they collide with the wall.

Vuyiswa Nhlapo added that irresponsible motorists, who sometimes race each other down the street, are not deterred by the nearby primary school.

“The children have to cross the street to school or even if they are on break as they have to cross the street to buy food,” she told OurHealth. “Some of them get killed by cars or taxies during that time so we really need speed humps.”

“Our children are dying on this street mean while our councillors enjoy luxury,” said neighbour Themba Mavuso. “We even think to build speed humps on our own if (government) fails to respond this time.”

According to Ward 36 Community Development Officer Thoko Tshabalala, she will accept the petition after it has been signed and deliver it to the councillor, who will forward it to the Johannesburg Road Ageny, which is responsible for installing speed bumps.

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