The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) mourns the tragic incident that occurred on Saturday evening on Lynnwood Road in Pretoria following the Springboks’ match against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld. A rugby spectator, who was apparently making his way back to his vehicle, fell into a deep excavation on the pavement outside the Javet Art Centre and later succumbed to his injuries.
The incident occurred as thousands of spectators were leaving the stadium and making their way through the construction area after the match. Although the relevant section of Lynnwood Road had been closed to vehicular traffic, it remained open to pedestrians. Excavations, reaching depths of between four and five metres in places, were inadequately barricaded, creating a serious hazard for pedestrians.
Early indications are that the victim sustained severe head injuries. Doctors at the scene attempted to stabilise him, but according to reports on social media, he passed away shortly afterwards.
The police have since confirmed that an investigation into the man’s death is under way.
Two other spectators also fell into the trench. One was treated in hospital for broken ribs, while the other fortunately escaped unharmed.
The Freedom Front Plus visited the scene this morning and found that the excavations had not been properly demarcated or marked.
Willie Spies has offered his services as an attorney, pro bono, to the victim’s next of kin to institute a claim against the City of Tshwane on the grounds of negligence.
The construction work on Lynnwood Road has dragged on for years and has been delayed due to tender irregularities. This mismanagement has now tragically resulted in the loss of life.
The Freedom Front Plus will do everything in its power to bring down the incompetent ActionSA/ANC/EFF coalition government on 4 November.
The Freedom Front Plus also extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s next of kin.
