On Sunday, 28 September 2025, a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the R81 near Ga-Sekgopo, Limpopo, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including 11 women, a child aged between seven and ten, and the driver of a minibus taxi.
The accident occurred when a truck reportedly failed to brake, striking the minibus from behind and crushing it against another truck. The passengers, who were returning from a church service in Solomondale to Magoro village, were all pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting several injured individuals to local hospitals, including Kgapane, Mankweng, and Van Velden hospitals. The R81 was closed for several hours to allow for rescue operations and vehicle recovery, with motorists advised to use the R71 or R36 as alternative routes. The road has since reopened.
Preliminary reports suggest brake failure in the rear truck may have contributed to the crash, though investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged truck and public transport drivers to prioritize road safety.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety expressed condolences to the affected families, emphasizing the need for improved road safety measures on the R81, a route known for frequent accidents.
The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. This tragedy adds to growing concerns about the safety of the R81, which has seen multiple fatal incidents in recent months.
