“We Can’t Keep Mourning Like This”, Limpopo Crash Sparks Urgent Call for Road Vigilance

South Africa woke up to another painful road tragedy this week, one that has left an entire church community shattered and reignited debate about safety on the country’s highways.

Twelve passengers, ten women, one child, and the taxi driver, were killed on Sunday afternoon when a truck reportedly failed to brake and crushed a minibus taxi between two heavy vehicles on the R81 in Ga-Sekgopo, Limpopo.

They were returning from a church service in Solomondale, headed home to Magoro village outside Giyani. What should have been a peaceful journey of fellowship turned into a nightmare.

Government’s Reaction: “We Cannot Accept This as Normal”

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa responded swiftly, offering condolences, but also issuing a stern warning.

“Motorists must exercise heightened vigilance. Road safety is not just a government responsibility; it’s a shared duty,” the ministry said through spokesperson Collen Msibi.

Deputy Minister Hlengwa has instructed the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to conduct a full crash reconstruction to determine exactly what went wrong and whether it could have been prevented.

Santaco Speaks: A Tragedy Too Familiar

Taxi council Santaco Limpopo also expressed deep sorrow. Their spokesperson, Sipho Phillemon Maloma, lamented:

“We mourn deeply with the families of the thirteen people who lost their lives… including a young girl of about seven.”

(Initial reports listed 12 fatalities; Santaco’s early statement suggested an additional victim. Authorities are yet to clarify the final count.)

Santaco also pledged to review safety measures and cooperate fully with investigators, signalling a willingness to be part of the solution rather than defend the system.

Why Limpopo’s Roads Keep Making Headlines

The R81 is no stranger to tragedy. Locals describe it as a busy stretch often choked with taxis, trucks, and buses. Many blame reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance, while others point to infrastructure issues such as lack of overtaking lanes and proper lighting.

Social media has been merciless:

“We can’t keep fasting and praying every time there’s a crash. Where is enforcement?” – Comment on Facebook
“We need trucks regulated. They’re destroying our roads and our people.” – X user from Polokwane

Where to From Here?

This crash isn’t just another statistic, it’s a reminder that South Africa’s road carnage is ongoing, predictable, and preventable.

Until investigations conclude, one thing is clear:

Trucks need better regulation.
Taxis need consistent safety inspections.
Drivers all of us need to slow down and respect the rules.

Because behind every headline is a community lighting candles instead of cooking dinner, a family planning funerals instead of Sunday lunch.

We don’t need more press statements, we need consequences, enforcement, and real accountability.

Until then, we’ll keep asking the same question with heavier hearts each time:

How many more must die before things change?

Tragedy on R81: 13 Killed as Minibus Taxi Crushed Between Trucks in Limpopo

{Source: The Citizen}

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