Limpopo province has been plunged into mourning following a horrific accident that claimed the lives of six people, including **five members of the same family**, in the Sekhukhune District. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, 6 November, along the D4170 road near the Mopetsi Bridge in the Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality.
According to authorities, the victims were travelling in a double-cab bakkie when the driver reportedly lost control. The vehicle veered off the road and overturned, resulting in catastrophic injuries to the occupants. Emergency services arrived at the scene to find six people already deceased, while two survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
The deadly crash has left the community in shock, especially after confirmation that the majority of those who died belonged to one family. Grieving relatives, neighbours, and local leaders have been gathering to comfort one another as the painful news continues to spread.
Limpopo’s MEC for Transport and Community Safety, **Violet Mathye**, expressed deep sorrow following the incident. She conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wished a swift and full recovery to the survivors. Mathye noted that the loss of five relatives in a single crash is an unimaginable blow, urging the community to support one another during this period of grief.
In response to the tragedy, Mathye ordered an immediate and **high-level investigation** to establish the exact cause of the accident. Her directive involves a coordinated effort between the provincial department and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). Investigators are expected to examine road conditions, vehicle faults, and the driver’s state before the crash to piece together a full picture of what went wrong.
Local government leaders have also stepped forward to offer support. **Executive Mayor Minah Bahule** of the Sekhukhune District has been acknowledged for her leadership and compassion in the aftermath of the incident. She has remained in communication with the affected families and emergency teams, ensuring that the victims receive the dignity and attention they deserve.
With the festive season approaching—a period known for increased road traffic and a spike in accidents—the MEC issued a strong appeal to motorists across the province. She urged drivers to prioritise safety, obey speed limits, avoid reckless overtaking, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy before travelling. Mathye emphasised that while government will deploy additional traffic officers and intensify law enforcement operations, **preventing further loss of life ultimately depends on driver behaviour**.
The accident has once again highlighted the urgent need for road safety awareness in South Africa, where thousands lose their lives each year due to collisions. Communities, especially in rural districts, remain vulnerable as many rely on long-distance travel and often encounter poor road infrastructure or dangerous driving conditions.
As investigations continue, the Limpopo community stands united in grief. The loss of five family members—whose lives were intertwined in love, culture, and shared memories—has left a deep wound that will take time to heal. The province now waits for answers, hoping that the findings will help prevent another tragedy of this scale.
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