A devastating road accident on the N4 highway near Bronkhorstspruit has claimed the life of a four-year-old boy, leaving his mother and younger sibling seriously injured. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026, sending shockwaves through the local community and highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety on one of Gauteng’s busiest routes.
According to emergency services, the family was travelling along the N4 when their vehicle reportedly lost control under circumstances that are still under investigation. The crash was described as severe, with the vehicle sustaining extensive damage. Firefighters and paramedics from the City of Tshwane Emergency Services were dispatched to the scene following a call received by the Emergency Command Centre earlier that morning.
Family games
Upon arrival, emergency personnel found that three occupants were trapped inside the wreckage. Firefighters worked swiftly to extricate them, using specialised rescue equipment. Despite their efforts, the four-year-old boy, later identified as Noah Botha, was declared dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. His mother, Nina Botha, and his two-year-old sister, Avery, were stabilised before being airlifted to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
A family member confirmed that Nina, her husband Divan, and their two young children had recently relocated to Pretoria. On the day of the accident, Nina and the children were believed to be travelling to Witbank when tragedy struck. The sudden loss of Noah has left the family devastated as loved ones rally around them during this incredibly difficult time.
City of Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba expressed condolences to the family and confirmed details of the incident. She stated that firefighters successfully rescued three patients from the vehicle, but sadly, one child succumbed to injuries at the scene. “A mother and one child were transported by medical services to a nearby medical facility for further treatment,” she said.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) have since taken over the scene to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether factors such as speed, weather conditions, or mechanical failure played a role.
Motorists travelling along the N4 were advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas prone to accidents. Emergency services also used the incident to remind the public of the importance of reporting emergencies promptly and accurately. Residents are encouraged to call the toll-free emergency number 107 or alternatively contact 012 358 6300 or 012 358 6400 in the event of a fire or rescue emergency.
As investigations continue, the tragic death of young Noah serves as a painful reminder of the human cost of road accidents. The community has expressed an outpouring of sympathy for the grieving family, while calls for heightened road safety awareness grow louder in the wake of yet another fatal crash on South Africa’s highways
