Deceased identified in fatal Limpopo collision
Nine people died and seven injured after a truck and taxi collided head-on on the R579 road near Tooseng, Apel Cross between Lebowakgomo and Jane Furse.
LIMPOPO – Provincial police have released the names of the nine people who were killed in a head-on collision along the R579 road on Tuesday morning.
The deceased, six men and three women, as well as the injured were passengers in the taxi traveling from Ga-Masemola when the accident happened.
Police Spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe said two of the seven people who sustained injuries in the collision were airlifted to hospitals in Polokwane and Mankweng. “The rest of the injured are still recovering in hospitals in the area,” he added.
The deceased have been identified as Masemola Mitchell, Kula Mmamangwidi, Ramakgwale Mamphole, Mphahlele Journey, Nkobo Harold, Ramaru John Rapolai, Taelo Talane, Rosemary Sefoka and Pududu Maphuthuma.
“Police investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated by Lebowakgomo police,” Ngoepe concluded.
LIMPOPO – Department of Transport Spokesperson, Josua Kwapa, confirmed in a media statement that the deceased were certified dead on the scene by paramedics, which include the driver of the taxi.
The statement also read that the accident happened when the driver of the truck allegedly overtook recklessly and collided head-on with the taxi.
“Seven people sustained serious injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment,” Kwapa said.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, said the deceased, six men and three women, were passengers in the taxi traveling from Ga-Masemola when the accident happened.
“The truck driver and his passengers sustained minor injuries. Police investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated by Lebowakgomo police,” Ngoepe said.
In a media statement released by the department shortly after the accident the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Nandi Ndalane said she was shocked and outraged by the accident which could have been avoided.
Ndalane called on law enforcement officials to investigate the accident with the view to take action against the driver of the truck.
“Reckless and negligent driving cannot be tolerated. It is senseless and unacceptable and it has to come to an end,” Ndalane emphasised.
She conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased.
