Neurosurgeon killed in Cape crash

10 fatalities were recorded over the past weekend.

10 fatalities were recorded over the past weekend.

Published Jul 27, 2015

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Cape Town - Well known Cape Town neurosurgeon Dr Gerrit Coetzee was among those who died in crashes on the roads at the weekend.

Western Cape traffic chief Kenny Africa confirmed that Coetzee died on Saturday when he collided with a taxi on the N2 near Somerset West.

Coetzee was the first doctor in South Africa to perform an artificial-disc operation in 2001. He practised at Netcare Blaauwberg and Netcare N1 City hospitals.

Netcare’s Jacques du Plessis expressed his deep sadness at Coetzee’s death.

“We at the Netcare Group deeply mourn the loss of a healthcare professional of great stature,” he said.

Du Plessis said Coetzee was highly respected and well-liked by his colleagues, patients as well as staff and management of the hospitals he was working at.

“We wish to express our sincere condolences to his wife, Dinelia,” he said.

“He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Dr Coetzee not only contributed at clinical level at our hospitals but played an active role in assisting management with suggestions to improve processes to the benefit of patients and the communities served by the hospitals.”

On Sunday, Africa said 2 261 vehicles were stopped over the weekend in the greater Cape Town metropole with 1 484 drivers screened and 10 fatalities recorded.

He said 184 fines had been issued with the value of R230 950.

Africa said the highest speed recorded was 177km/h in a 120km/h zone in Brackenfell.

He said a motorcyclist died in a crash with a light motor vehicle in Simon’s Town.

A male passenger also died in a crash reported in the Eden District and three others died in the West Coast.

Africa said motorists needed to change their attitudes on the roads.

“Drivers don’t give a damn about each other on the roads.”

“They take chances putting other people’s lives at risk. ‘Buckle up is the golden phrase’; eighty percent of road fatalities are as a result of people not wearing seatbelts. And another big problem on our roads is drinking and driving.

“We have zero tolerance on drinking under the influence. People still think they can get away with drinking and driving. If you are caught driving drunk we’ll get you off our roads.”

Africa said the provincial traffic office was working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation on an all-year round safety plan to make sure people are safe on the roads throughout out the year.

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Cape Argus

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