Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has expressed profound sorrow following a fatal road accident on the R81 in Ga-Sekgopo, Capricorn District, which resulted in the tragic loss of 12 lives, including that of a minor child.
Earlier reports suggested 13 fatalities; however, the confirmed number of deceased stands at 12.
The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon and involved two trucks and a minibus taxi transporting congregants returning from a church service in Solomondale to their homes in Giyani. All the deceased, including the taxi driver, were occupants of the minibus. While preliminary accounts indicate that the taxi may have been crushed between the two heavy vehicles, the exact cause of the collision remains the subject of an official investigation.
According to the Premier’s spokesperson, Mr Thilivhali Muavha, emergency medical services and rescue teams responded swiftly and worked tirelessly to manage the scene.
“This afternoon, the Premier will meet with the bereaved families at the Pietersburg Hospital Recreation Hall to provide comfort and support during the painful process of identifying their loved ones,” said Muavha.
Premier Ramathuba will be accompanied by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye, and the MEC for Health, Ms Dieketseng Mashego. The Department of Transport and Community Safety will continue to issue regular updates as investigations into the cause of the accident proceed.
The R81 road has since been reopened to traffic.
“The Limpopo Provincial Government stands in solidarity with the affected families during this period of great loss. We remain committed to ensuring that the necessary support is provided to them. We also urge all road users to exercise the utmost caution and adhere strictly to road safety regulations to prevent further tragedies,” Muavha concluded.
