Central SA
Nearly ten dead in Central South Africa road accidents─── ZENANDE MPAME 14:24 Tue, 28 Oct 2025
Close to ten people lost their lives in separate road accidents across parts of Central South Africa over the weekend.
Numerous victims of road crashes are receiving treatment at Winburg hospital after a fatal collision. Free State police are investigating a culpable homicide case after the accident on Sunday (26/10) on the N1 between Winburg and Ventersburg that claimed five lives.
Meanwhile, North West police are investigating a culpable homicide case following an accident on the R505 between Wolmaransstad and Makwassie that claimed four lives on Sunday. Three people, including the driver, died on the scene, two passengers were taken to the hospital, one later succumbed to their injuries, and the other remains in recovery in the hospital.
“On arrival at the scene, police discovered persons trapped inside a Blue Volkswagen Polo Vivo and a maroon Toyota Avanza,” said Free State police spokesperson Palesa Thabana. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the two motor vehicles were travelling in opposite directions before they collided.
“The five seriously injured passengers were taken to the various hospitals for medical attention. Circumstances leading to the accident will form part of police investigations. Investigations are underway.”
“The accident occurred due to slippery road conditions caused by rain,” said Free State EMS spokesperson Sipho Towa. “The road was reopened, and traffic was flowing freely as of 22:00.”
In the North West accident, the group had allegedly gathered for a family tombstone unveiling and were travelling from Wolmaransstad to Makwassie. Their vehicle, carrying five occupants, rolled after the driver allegedly attempted to overtake three other vehicles and lost control.
Three of the men, including the driver, a local school teacher, died on the scene, while two others were rushed to the hospital. One later succumbed to his injuries, leaving a sole survivor who is still recovering in the hospital.
North West community safety and transport management MEC Wessels Morweng sent condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. “A culpable homicide case is being investigated,” he said.
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