Weekend of carnage: Twelve killed in Eastern Cape road crashes

The Eastern Cape was hit by a deadly weekend of road crashes that left twelve people dead and scores injured in three separate incidents, officials said. Investigations are under way and culpable homicide dockets have been opened.

Two fatal crashes in OR Tambo district

On Saturday two horrific collisions on the N2 in the OR Tambo District accounted for ten of the deaths.

Isuzu double cab overturns near Vidgesville

An Isuzu double cab carrying six occupants overturned and rolled several times on the N2 near Vidgesville outside Mthatha. Two men were killed instantly, and the four other occupants were taken to Mthatha Regional Hospital.

Ford Ranger loses control near Marhambeni

Hours later, a Ford Ranger bakkie carrying 15 passengers lost control on the N2 at Marhambeni near Qumbu. Four passengers died at the scene, and 11 survivors were taken to Malizo Ka Mpehle Hospital in Tsolo with serious injuries.

Head‑on collision in Kariega claims five lives

Separately, on Sunday a head‑on collision between a Toyota Corolla and a VW Polo on the R334 in Kariega left no survivors. The three occupants of the Polo and two occupants of the Corolla were declared dead at the scene.

Officials blame reckless and intoxicated driving

Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Makaya Komisa pointed to reckless driving and alcohol abuse as contributing factors.

“We cannot continue to lose lives because motorists choose to drink and drive. These accidents are a painful reminder that negligence behind the wheel destroys families and communities,” Komisa warned.

Transport and community safety MEC Xolile Nqatha condemned intoxicated driving, extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“We mourn with the families, but we also call on every driver to take responsibility. Road safety is not negotiable; it is a matter of life and death,” Nqatha said.

Investigations under way

Police have opened culpable homicide dockets at Qumbu and Bityi stations as investigations continue into the three crashes.

The province’s transport department urged motorists to slow down, respect speed limits and avoid driving under the influence, stressing that reckless decisions on the road can be fatal.