A tragic head-on collision on the R63 between Fort Beaufort and Alice in the Eastern Cape has claimed the lives of four people and left three others injured. The horrific accident occurred on Sunday night, August 3, 2025, and has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Dikeni and Maqoma.
According to authorities, a small private vehicle was travelling from Dikeni toward Maqoma when it collided with a minibus taxi traveling in the opposite direction. The collision occurred under unclear circumstances and is currently under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS). A case of culpable homicide has been officially opened as the investigation continues.
The violent impact of the crash resulted in four fatalities, though the identities of the deceased have not yet been released to the public pending the notification of their families. Among the casualties were passengers from both the taxi and the private vehicle.
The driver of the minibus taxi sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Fort Beaufort Provincial Hospital for emergency medical care. In addition, two adult female passengers were also injured—one critically and the other with minor wounds. Both were treated at the same hospital and remain under observation.
Local authorities and emergency services were quickly on the scene to manage traffic and offer medical support. The road was temporarily closed to allow paramedics and investigators to perform their duties without obstruction, causing delays for other motorists in the area.
This accident is part of a troubling pattern of fatal road incidents in the region. The R63, which connects several major towns in the Eastern Cape, is frequently used by taxis, buses, and private vehicles, making it one of the more dangerous routes when traffic rules are not followed strictly. Residents have called for increased law enforcement presence and improved road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community members in Fort Beaufort and surrounding towns have expressed their sorrow over the loss of life, sharing their condolences with the families affected. Some have also taken to social media to voice concerns about road conditions and the need for driver education campaigns, particularly around nighttime driving.
This accident comes just days after another horrific crash in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, where five people died. The frequency and severity of these incidents are raising alarm bells across the country, prompting renewed calls for action from the Department of Transport and local municipalities.
As investigations into the R63 crash continue, police urge anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has relevant information to come forward. Their testimonies could assist in piecing together what led to the deadly collision and possibly prevent such a disaster from happening again.
Authorities are expected to release more information about the victims and the cause of the crash once investigations are concluded.
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