A woman has died after a large rock allegedly smashed through her windscreen while she was driving on the R24 in Bedfordview on Friday, 14 August. The impact caused her to suffer head injuries and lose control of the vehicle. She was declared dead at the scene.
There are conflicting reports about where the rock was allegedly thrown from. Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys and Bedfordview community safety groups initially said the incident happened beneath the Van Der Linde Road Bridge, while the EMPD reported that the rock was allegedly thrown from Concorde Road.
Woman Killed In R24 Rock-Throwing Incident
According to the EMPD, Freeway Unit officers arrived at the scene at 07:38. “Upon arrival, officers established that a large rock had allegedly been thrown from Concorde Road onto the R24 freeway,” the EMPD stated.
“The rock shattered the vehicle’s windscreen, causing the driver to sustain head injuries. She subsequently lost control of the vehicle and collided with the road barriers,” said EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa.
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The driver was certified dead at the scene. An inquest docket has been opened at Bedfordview Police Station, while investigators are working to establish what happened.
Police Investigate Rock Thrown At R24 Vehicle
The EMPD has appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help investigators to come forward. The exact location from which the rock was allegedly thrown remains unclear, with the two accounts pointing to different roads.
The fatal incident has also renewed concerns about rock-throwing attacks targeting motorists on Gauteng highways. Residents Action Group (RAG Security) in Bedfordview has urged motorists to remain alert when approaching bridges, footbridges and embankments.
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Residents are advised to scan overpasses and surrounding areas ahead for people loitering near railings or leaning over edges. Where it is safe, motorists who spot suspicious activity should consider changing lanes and avoid driving directly underneath the person.
RAG also urged motorists to take extra care at night on unlit or low-visibility roads and use their headlights appropriately. Suspicious people, vehicles or activity can be reported to RAG’s 24-hour Control Centre on 082 322 3333.
