In a tragic series of road accidents in South Africa, multiple lives were lost and several others were injured, prompting authorities to urge caution during the festive season.

Seven Dead in Limpopo Province Crash

In Limpopo province, a devastating crash involving seven vehicles, including a minibus taxi, claimed seven lives and injured five others. The incident occurred on Sunday near Ga-Fasha village along the N1 highway. Violet Mathye, a member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature for Transport and Community Safety, confirmed the tragedy and stated that the injured were promptly taken to the hospital.

Mathye extended condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized the need for heightened road safety during the holiday season. “We urge drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant while using the roads during this time. Road safety is a shared responsibility,” she stated.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

12 Killed in Eastern Cape Collision

In a separate incident in the Eastern Cape province, 12 people were killed, and several others sustained critical injuries in a head-on collision. The crash occurred on Saturday around 8 p.m. near Dutywa on the N2 road, involving a minibus taxi carrying 10 passengers and a bakkie (a South African term for a pickup truck) with four passengers. According to Unathi Binqose, a spokesperson for the provincial transport department, three male passengers in the bakkie died on the spot, while a female passenger was severely injured.

In the minibus, eight people, including four men and four women, lost their lives, and two others were rushed to the hospital. Tragically, one of the injured passengers later died in the hospital, raising the death toll. “This marks the second major accident in the Eastern Cape since the festive season began,” said Binqose. He added that Saturday alone saw 23 fatalities in four separate accidents across the province.

Previous Fatalities Highlight Urgent Need for Caution

These accidents follow a similar head-on collision on Monday along the N9 road near Graaff-Reinet, where 15 people lost their lives. Police have registered cases of culpable homicide in all incidents and are investigating further. Binqose reiterated the call for increased vigilance, especially during the festive season, to prevent further loss of life.

“Drivers must take extra precautions and exercise patience to avoid head-on collisions,” he urged. Authorities have appealed to all road users to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic regulations, emphasizing that individual responsibility can save lives during this busy holiday period.