Sixteen people lost their lives in a series of tragic road accidents across South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province on Monday, marking a somber day during the festive season.
Among the most devastating incidents, eight members of a single family were killed in Nkandla when their minibus overturned and rolled down an embankment. Authorities confirmed the family was traveling to a wedding when the crash occurred, turning a celebratory occasion into an unimaginable tragedy.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss of life, particularly during a time meant for joy and celebration,” said Siboniso Duma, Executive Council member for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal. Duma also confirmed that teams have been dispatched to support the grieving families.
Earlier in the day, a head-on collision near Vryheid involving a police vehicle claimed five more lives. In another accident at Spaghetti Junction on the N2 Southbound, two people died, and several were injured in a taxi crash.
Additionally, one person was killed, and many others sustained injuries when a bus overturned on the R618 Hlabisa road near Hluhluwe Game Reserve. According to preliminary reports, the driver lost control after experiencing brake failure.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) expressed concern over the growing number of fatalities and urged motorists to drive cautiously as the New Year approaches. “Law enforcement efforts will be heightened across the country to ensure compliance with road safety regulations,” the RTMC stated.
Since December 1, as part of a national road safety campaign, more than 1 million vehicles have been inspected, and 6,470 drivers have been arrested for violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence.
These tragedies highlight the urgent need for heightened vigilance on South Africa’s roads, particularly during the holiday season when traffic volumes surge. Authorities reiterated their commitment to implementing stricter measures to reduce road accidents and save lives.