Deadly crash leaves families reeling after Sunday service

Limpopo – Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has expressed “profound shock and sorrow” following a deadly crash on the R81 in Ga-Sekgopo on Sunday afternoon that claimed 12 lives.

According to Arrive Alive, the accident involved a minibus taxi and two heavy motor vehicles.

“The relevant authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident,” the organisation said.

Preliminary reports indicate that 12 people died in the collision, leaving “many families now facing the unimaginable grief of losing their loved ones.”

In a statement, Dr Ramathuba said: “The news of this tragic accident is deeply touching, particularly when we consider the mothers and families affected by this loss. The provincial government stands in solidarity with the families during this difficult time and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support.”

Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has expressed profound shock and sorrow in the wake of a tragic accident that occurred on the R81 in Ga-Sekgopo on Sunday afternoon, involving a minibus taxi and two heavy motor vehicles.

Preliminary reports indicate that 12 people lost their lives in… pic.twitter.com/9SGdvsmSnm

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 29, 2025

Limpopo Emergency Medical Services and rescue teams were on the scene on Sunday “working diligently to manage the aftermath of the incident,” Arrive Alive reported.

The Premier is scheduled to meet the grieving families on Monday, 29 September 2025, at noon at the Pietersburg Hospital Recreation Hall to assist with the painful identification process of the deceased. She will be joined by Ms Violet Mathye, MEC for Transport and Community Safety, and Ms Dieketseng Mashego, MEC for Health.

The Department of Transport and Community Safety said it would provide regular updates on the situation, including the status of the road, which was reopened at midnight on 28 September 2025.

Dr Ramathuba added: “We urge all road users to exercise caution and adhere to safety regulations. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness on our roads.”

A Times Live report said that quoted Santaco Limpopo as saying that all the victims, who were inside the minibus taxi, were travelling from a church service in Solomondale to Magoro village near Giyani.”