A routine morning commute turned deadly in Johannesburg on Wednesday when a 14-seater minibus taxi crashed into a fence outside the Children’s Memorial Institute (CMI) in Parktown, claiming the life of a pedestrian.
The accident occurred shortly after 8am near Constitution Hill, an area known for heavy commuter traffic.
Witnesses described the victim as an elderly man who was walking along the pavement when the taxi veered off the road and struck him before crashing into the property’s perimeter fence.
Passengers Recall Moments of Panic
Passengers inside the taxi said there were warning signs before the collision.
Thandi Nhlapho, who uses the route daily to travel to work, said the driver informed passengers that the vehicle’s brakes were failing as it descended a hill near a BP service station in Parktown.
According to Nhlapho, panic spread through the vehicle moments before impact.
“As we were going downhill, the driver warned us that the brakes were not functioning.
Shortly afterward, the taxi crashed into the fence,” he recalled.
Concerns Raised About Vehicle Condition
Another commuter, who was travelling to Rosebank for work, said the taxi appeared to be experiencing mechanical problems from the beginning of the journey.
The vehicle had departed from Johannesburg’s central business district and was operating between the Plein and Eloff Street area and Rosebank.
The passenger said the taxi was moving unevenly and seemed to struggle with its gears.
He explained that the ride felt unstable long before the driver lost control near Constitution Hill.
Vehicle Leaves Road and Hits Pedestrian
Witnesses said the taxi suddenly accelerated downhill before leaving the roadway.
The vehicle mounted the pavement, struck the pedestrian and eventually came to a stop after smashing into the fence surrounding the Children’s Memorial Institute.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist passengers and secure the area while investigations began.
Security Guard Recalls Similar Incident
Long-serving CMI security guard Andris Dlamini said the latest tragedy was not the first serious crash on that stretch of road.
Having worked at the institute for 15 years, Dlamini remembered a similar accident in 2020 when another taxi lost control in the same area.
He said the previous crash resulted in passengers being thrown from the vehicle and believes stronger road safety measures are needed to prevent future incidents.
Dlamini suggested that speed bumps should be installed along the route to slow vehicles travelling downhill and reduce the likelihood of similar accidents.
Pedestrian Deaths Remain a Major Concern
The incident comes amid growing concerns about pedestrian safety across South Africa.
According to figures released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, pedestrians account for the largest share of road fatalities, representing 44% of all deaths recorded on the country’s roads during the first five months of the year.
The agency has repeatedly urged both motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant and follow road safety regulations to reduce preventable deaths.
Authorities Intensify Action Against Unroadworthy Vehicles
The crash also draws attention to ongoing efforts by Gauteng authorities to remove unsafe public transport vehicles from the roads.
Recent enforcement campaigns targeting major transport corridors in Johannesburg and Tshwane uncovered widespread violations among minibus taxi operators.
During inspections conducted between June 1 and June 7, officials found 276 operators driving without valid licences.
In the same operation, 83 taxis were ordered off the road due to serious defects.
Among the issues identified were faulty braking systems, worn tyres, broken headlights, and malfunctioning indicators and brake lights.
Hundreds of Taxis Removed From Service
Road safety inspections have continued throughout the province.
Between June 15 and June 21, the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate issued discontinuation notices to 134 additional minibus taxis operating across the province’s three metropolitan municipalities.
Authorities say the operations form part of a broader campaign to improve public transport safety and ensure that vehicles carrying commuters meet minimum roadworthiness standards.
Investigation Expected Into Cause of Crash
While officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of Wednesday’s accident, brake failure is emerging as a leading possibility based on passenger accounts and initial observations from the scene.
Investigators are expected to examine the vehicle’s mechanical condition as part of efforts to determine how the crash occurred and whether any regulatory violations contributed to the fatal incident.
