A tragic road crash near Lebowakgomo has claimed the life of a 13-year-old learner and left more than a dozen people injured after a collision between a minibus taxi and a heavy-duty truck on the R597 near Sepanapudi.
The incident occurred on 12 June 2026, when a Toyota Quantum minibus carrying learners and other passengers reportedly attempted a lane change to avoid a pedestrian who was walking in the roadway. In the process, the vehicle collided head-on or side-on with a Hino truck travelling along the same route, resulting in a severe impact that caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
According to the Department of Transport spokesperson Mashudu Mabata, the circumstances of the crash suggest that the minibus driver’s evasive action may have contributed to the collision, though investigations are still ongoing to establish the full sequence of events.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where they found multiple injured passengers trapped or requiring urgent medical attention. A total of 14 people, including both drivers, sustained serious injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Medical teams are continuing to monitor the condition of the injured, with authorities warning that some cases remain critical.
The 13-year-old learner, whose identity has not yet been officially released pending family notification, was declared dead at the scene. The loss has deepened concerns about road safety in the area, particularly involving scholar transport vehicles that operate daily along rural and semi-urban routes in Limpopo.
Authorities from traffic law enforcement and police services spent hours at the crash site conducting investigations and clearing debris. One lane of the R597 remained closed for several hours as officials worked to restore safe traffic flow and document evidence for the ongoing inquiry.
Mabata urged all road users to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas where pedestrians are known to walk along or near busy roads. He emphasized that driver vigilance, reduced speed, and strict adherence to road rules are essential in preventing similar tragedies.
“Motorists are advised that traffic officials and the police remain on the scene conducting clearance operations until the remaining lane is reopened to traffic,” Mabata said. “Road users are urged to exercise caution and patience, reduce speed, and adhere to all road safety regulations.”
The crash has once again highlighted the dangers faced by learners commuting daily in minibus taxis, particularly in regions where infrastructure challenges, pedestrian activity, and high traffic volumes intersect. Community members have called for improved road safety measures, including better pedestrian walkways, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and enhanced monitoring of scholar transport vehicles.
The South African broadcasting public service, SABC News, reported that investigations into the exact cause of the collision are continuing, with further updates expected once authorities complete their preliminary findings.
As families and communities in Sepanapudi and surrounding areas begin to process the tragedy, officials have reiterated their commitment to improving road safety and preventing further loss of young lives on South Africa’s roads.
About the Author
