A family in Bochabela Village, QwaQwa, is battling unimaginable grief after losing five relatives in a horrific road accident that claimed seven lives along the R712 between QwaQwa and Harrismith.
The devastating crash occurred late on Saturday, 23 May, when a bakkie carrying members of the Xaba family collided head-on with a VW Golf. The impact caused the bakkie to burst into flames, leaving several victims trapped inside and making identification difficult for relatives.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with residents struggling to come to terms with the scale of the loss.
Among those who lost their lives were Thembinkosi Lucky Xaba (28), Thulani Xaba (34), Thabang Edward Xaba (26), Pikimozi Alex Xaba (24), and Sipho Bambisa. The victims were related and were travelling together when the accident happened.
According to road safety officials, emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the collision. However, seven people were declared dead, while one survivor sustained moderate injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.
Family spokesperson Mandla Gamede said the painful process of identifying the victims remains one of the most traumatic experiences the family has ever faced.
He explained that relatives were informed about the accident after recovery teams found identification documents among the wreckage. By the time family members arrived, the vehicle had already been destroyed by fire.
“The pain is unbearable. No family should ever have to endure something like this,” he said.
The loss has been especially difficult because the family had recently been mourning another relative. According to relatives, the deceased were travelling while dealing with another family bereavement, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
Community members have rallied around the grieving family, offering emotional support and assistance as funeral preparations continue. Many residents described the accident as one of the worst tragedies the village has experienced in recent years.
Local resident Nthabiseng Ntjana said the entire community remains traumatised by the incident.
“Everyone is shocked. People are still struggling to believe that so many young lives were lost in one accident,” she said.
The family has also appealed for financial assistance as they prepare to bury their loved ones. Relatives say the cost of multiple funerals has placed enormous pressure on the household during an already painful period.
In response to the tragedy, Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Mayor Tumelo Thebe visited the family to offer condolences and support. During his visit, he assured the family that local authorities would stand with them during their time of need.
The mayor described the deaths as a devastating loss not only for the family but for the wider community as well. He said the young men had promising futures ahead of them and their passing had left a deep void in the lives of those who knew them.
As funeral arrangements continue, residents across QwaQwa have united in mourning, remembering the victims and offering prayers for the grieving families. The tragedy has once again highlighted the devastating impact that road accidents continue to have on South African communities.
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