By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
At least Seven people were killed in a head-on collision on the N12 between Ogies and Emalahleni in Mpumalanga on Monday morning.
The accident happened at about 4.30am and involved a Toyota Mark X sedan with Mozambican registration and a Nissan NP200 light delivery vehicle travelling in opposite directions.
According to Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, the Nissan NP200, travelling from east to west on the N12, lost control, crossed over the centre median and crashed into the oncoming Toyota.
“The investigation into the collision by the police, Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, is already underway. However, reckless negligent driving cannot be ruled out, said Mmusi.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution.
“Let us all be cautious on the road to curb needless loss of life and injury. We should all endeavour to abide by the rules of the road at all times, “Macie said.
Macie said further details will be released as investigations continue.
Meanwhile Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has launched the 2025/2026 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, emphasising the urgent need to reduce fatalities on South Africa’s roads as holiday travel ramps up.
Creecy said the theme for this year’s initiative – “It Starts With Me” – reinforces the message that every road user plays a role in safety.
“Drivers, pedestrians and passengers make important choices on the roads every day. When we make the right choices, we arrive alive,” Creecy said.
“Our campaign is aimed at ensuring that each one of us makes those correct choices so we can enjoy the festive season and return home safely in January. To do this, we all have to play our part and act responsibly.”