UPDATE: Death toll rises to 11 in taxi crash on the R538

WHITE RIVER – In an updated media release by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) spokesman, Joseph Mabuza in a case in which a taxi collided with three cows late on Friday evening on the R538 it has been confirmed that the death toll has risen.

“After thorough examination of the the wreckage of the taxi by pathologists at the mortuary, it has been confirmed that there are 11 deceased,” the statement by Mabuza read.

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According to the information provided by Mabuza, four children and seven adults were killed in the incident.

City of Mbombela Local Municipality General Manager, strategic support, David Shabangu said that the City has noted the unfortunate accident in which far too many people lost their lives on the R358. “This is a rural road and the area is notorious for stray animals,” he said.

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Shabangu added that the animals were registered and marked accordingly.  “The MEC for Community Safety and Security and Liaison, Pat Ngomane has emphasised that the owner will be identified and charged with culpable homicide,” said Shabangu.

“The office of the executive mayor regrets the tragic accident and will investigate the matter further to determine how the municipality can also provide support to the bereaved families in the is critical time,” he said.

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According the Shabangu, the City will be exploring practical measures to deal with stray animals in its jurisdiction.

“Investigations are continuing as this matter is still developing,” said Mabuza.

UPDATE: MEC calls on police to consider charging the owner of the cows that caused a crash which claimed ten lives, December 2, 11:41

WHITE RIVER – Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety and Security and Liaison, Pat Ngomane has called on police to consider charging the owner of three cows which cause a fateful crash on the R538 on Friday evening with culpable homicide.

According to a statement released by, Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) spokesman, Joseph Mabuza, MEC Ngomane said that although the police are still investigating the the matter, the owner of the cows should be made to face the consequences of not looking after his/her livestock.

Also read: One person trapped and two dead in accident

Ngomane said, “Livestock owners have a responsibility over their animals and should therefore not leave their cattle to wander without being attended or kept in secure places.”

The MEC futher requested all members of the community who might know the owner of the cows to report to the police. He also reminded motorists to be alert and exercise extreme caution when using the R538, especially at night and during bad weather.

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According to the statement, Ngomane wishes a speedy recovery to the five victims who all sustained serious injuries.

The MEC also pleaded with the families of the deceased to remain patient as government is still working on identifying the victims through DNA tests.

Also read: KaMagugu road accident cleared,road opened

Taxi collides with three cows claiming ten lives on the R538, December 2, 08:30

WHITE RIVER – A taxi hit three cows at Nsumbeni on the R538 between Hazyview and White River at approximately 22:34 on Friday evening.

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Five patients were seriously injured and transported to Matikwane hospital.

Also read: Schoemanskloof accident claims five

Joseph Mabuza, Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) spokesman said that nine of the of those killed were burnt beyond recognition. “Among the dead there were three children,” said Mabuza.

Also read: Five people die, including a baby, in an accident on R536