Three people were killed on Saturday, 20 December 2025 when a minibus taxi overturned on the D799 road between Kaapsehoop and Mbombela. The driver allegedly lost control on a curve, causing the vehicle to roll several times. Paramedics pronounced the three male passengers dead at the scene. One passenger was critically injured and four others suffered serious injuries; all were taken to a hospital in Mbombela.
The minibus was reportedly travelling from Johannesburg to Mozambique. Initial indications suggest the driver may have left the N4 toll road at the D799 turn‑off to evade law enforcement. An investigation is underway.
In a separate incident, a mother and child were killed near Delmas on the N12 when a vehicle struck them while they were crossing the road.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Jackie Macie, urges motorists to exercise extreme caution, stick to familiar routes and obey traffic laws. “The festive seasoning should be a time for families and friends to celebrate, not to lose loved ones to avoidable crashes,” he said.
The MEC commended officers who have stopped about 88 000 vehicles, impounded roughly 450 unroadworthy vehicles, checked over 28 000 vehicles (mainly heavy motor vehicles) at weighbridges and issued more than 14 000 written notices for various offences.
The Department, together with partner agencies, will continue intensive operations including block patrols, stop‑and‑checks and speed enforcement.
ENDS…
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Media enquiries: Moeti Mmusi - 079 291 0664 or 08 44 11 3372 or Mandla Chauke (Media Liaison Officer to the MEC) - 082 330 816