Four people were killed in a head-on collision between two light motor vehicles on the R541 between Lochiel and Badplaas on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The deceased include three males and one female, including both drivers. They all died at the scene. One female passenger was critically injured and is currently receiving medical treatment at Embuleni Hospital.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. The investigation is already underway, but reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this stage.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Jackie Macie, is sending condolences to the bereaved families and also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The MEC went on to encourage motorists to always choose life when on the road. "Motorists must choose to be responsible by driving in such a way that they make their lives and those of other road users a priority. They must obey the rules and also adjust their driving in line with prevailing conditions, which include rain and construction on the road," added the MEC.
He also urged those who will be driving back after the week of Local Government Elections to be extremely cautious.
This they can do by:
- Obeying the rules,
- Not drinking and driving,
- Driving in accordance with applicable speed limits across all routes,
- Ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles before commencing with journeys,
- Long distance drivers must rest every 200 kilometres or two hours of driving,
- They must also adjust their driving in line with prevailing conditions on the road.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.