Ga-Sekgopo, Limpopo – A devastating collision on the R81 in Ga-Sekgopo has claimed the lives of twelve people, including a young girl, in a horrific accident involving a minibus taxi and two trucks. The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, has left families in mourning and authorities scrambling to investigate the cause.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has expressed "profound shock and sorrow" following the tragedy, describing it as "a devastating loss to the province".
Emergency services personnel, traffic officers and police worked for several hours to clear the scene, which was described as chaotic. The R81, a key route between Mooketsi and Polokwane, was closed to traffic for an extended period, with motorists travelling between Polokwane and Giyani diverted via the R36 and R71 roads. The Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed the R81 was reopened shortly after midnight on Sunday.
Preliminary reports indicate that all twelve fatalities were occupants of the minibus taxi. Among the deceased are twelve women, a girl aged approximately seven years old, and the male taxi driver. It is understood that the passengers were returning from a church service in Solomondale township, outside Polokwane, and were travelling to Magoro village, outside Giyani. One truck driver sustained slight injuries, while the other was unharmed.
The minibus taxi carrying churchgoers had been trapped between the trucks.
The Transport Department has stated that the details of the deceased will be released once their next-of-kin have been informed.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has also expressed its dismay at the horrific crash. RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane urged truck drivers to exercise caution on the roads.
"The Road Traffic Management Corporation is calling on freight and public transport vehicle drivers to improve their behaviour and put safety first," Zwane said.
"The R81 was closed for several hours as emergency personnel worked tirelessly to remove bodies from the wreckage. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined as investigations are still underway," Zwane added.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba is scheduled to meet with the grieving families today, Monday, 29 September, at noon at the Pietersburg Hospital Recreation Hall. The Premier will be accompanied by MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye and MEC for Health Dieketseng Mashego, to assist with the painful process of identifying the deceased.
"The news of this tragic accident is deeply touching, particularly when we consider the mothers and families affected by this loss," said Ramathuba. "The provincial government stands in solidarity with the families during this difficult time, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support."
Ramathuba urged all road users to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations. "This tragic event serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness on our roads," she added.
Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.
This accident follows another serious crash on the R518 road in the Waterberg district on Friday, 26 September, where five people also lost their lives. In that incident, a sedan apparently overtook and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. The drivers of the two vehicles died at the scene, along with three female passengers. Six injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals. Reckless driving was cited as a possible cause of that accident.
The Department of Transport and Community Safety will provide regular updates on the investigation into the R81 crash.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Authorities are appealing to all motorists, especially truck drivers and those operating public transport vehicles, to prioritise safety and exercise extreme caution on the roads. The thoughts of the nation are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
"We urge all road users to exercise caution and adhere to safety regulations," added Ramathuba.
The R81 at Ga-Sekgopo has been reopened to traffic, but motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
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