A devastating car accident on the N1 highway near Ysterberg, Mokopane, has claimed the lives of five members of a Limpopo family. The tragic incident has left the local community in mourning and raised concerns about road safety. The victims, who were involved in the crash on November 8, 2024, include Dawie Snyder, a 39-year-old man who had recently returned from the United States, his sister Minette van Wyk (33), and her three children: Joanette Claassen (10), JH Snyder (13), and her stepson Christiaan van Wyk (10).
The Accident
The family was traveling in a white Volvo sedan on the N1 highway, between Polokwane and Mokopane, when the vehicle overturned and collided with several trees. Preliminary reports suggest that a burst tyre may have contributed to the crash, although investigations are ongoing. According to Limpopo’s MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, “The exact cause of the crash is still unknown as investigations continue. Tragically, the driver and four immediate family members lost their lives at the scene.”
### Dawie Snyder’s Return Home
The tragedy is particularly heartbreaking given the circumstances surrounding Dawie Snyder’s return to South Africa. After working in the United States as a temporary agricultural worker, Snyder had come back to reunite with his daughter and provide her with a better future. Family friend Jaenette van Niekerk described the loss as “huge,” noting that the family is struggling to cope. “Dawie returned from the US to provide a better future for his daughter,” she said. The reunion was tragically cut short, leaving the young child without her father.
### Family’s Grief and Shock
Minette van Wyk, Dawie’s sister, was also eager to reconnect with her brother and her nieces and nephews. Minette had recently celebrated her birthday and was looking forward to spending time with her family. According to Jaenette van Niekerk, “Minette loved her kids with everything and would have done anything to protect them.” The emotional impact of the crash on the surviving family members has been profound. Minette’s husband, Flippie van Wyk, who was traveling separately, witnessed the aftermath of the accident and described the scene as something that would “stay with us forever.”
Close friend Bianca Meyer, who was like family to Minette, expressed her grief over the loss, saying, “It’s devastating to lose five family members in less than one hour. I took them as my own family. Minette and I were in touch daily, and now, she’s gone.” Meyer shared her heartache over the suddenness of the tragedy, especially since they had been texting just before the accident.
### Community Mourning
The community in Limpopo is still reeling from the tragic loss. MEC Violet Mathye extended her deepest condolences to the grieving families and urged all motorists to exercise caution on the roads. “We pray that the Almighty will be with them during this difficult time. We also ask motorists to always obey the rules of the road to avoid tragedies,” she said.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the fragile nature of life. The loss of five family members in such a tragic and sudden way has left an indelible mark on those who knew them, and the community continues to mourn their untimely passing.