At least two people died and five others were injured after 3 motorcycles collided in Kapoeta Town in Eastern Equatoria State on Sunday.
One of the dead was identified as James Sebit Commando, 26, and the other only as Nakai.
The incident happened after a motorcycle knocked and injured a woman carrying firewood who was crossing the road, leading to two speeding motorcycles colliding.
According to authorities, the injured persons were rushed to Kapoeta Civil Hospital for medical attention.
Major Manawa Stanley, the director of traffic police in Kapoeta, told Radio Tamazuj that the incident was reported at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
“An accident occurred yesterday (Sunday) and was reported to us at around 6:30 p.m. Motorcycles collided and two people died on the spot while five others who were injured were taken to hospital,” he explained. “Among the dead was a rider identified as 26-year-old James Sebit Commando and his female passenger whose age is not clear because she died and was only identified as Nakai from the Toposa tribe. The five people who were injured are now at Kapoeta Civil Hospital. All the motorbikes were moving at very high speed.”
For his part, Juma Justine, the Executive Director of Kapoeta South County, confirmed the incident, attributed it to reckless riding, and urged motorists to observe traffic rules.
“There was a traffic accident yesterday evening along Kapoeta Longeleya road, two motorbikes moving in a different direction collided, and two died according to the report. This is their fault because these boys have been warned several times,” he said. “An accident occurred previously and the municipality has talked to them several times to reduce speed. Speeding is not good, however, the road surface was not good and wet. People must make take precautions when riding especially when carrying village passengers.”
Meanwhile, Oryem Emmanuel, a civil society activist in the state, condoled with the bereaved families and urged the traffic police to monitor motorists.
“This is very tragic and, unfortunately, two people lost their lives. The local government in Kapoeta South, especially the traffic police, should monitor the riders along the road. The boda-boda men should also be patient in waiting for passengers,” he counseled. “I think some of these accidents occur due to rivalry over clients. The traffic police must act professionally because they often only rush to the scene after an accident. They should implement measures to address such situations before they become accidents. They (police) are very weak in that.”