24 dead, 3 injured in horrific Limpopo taxicab and minibus collision

Zimbabwe, South Africa — A road accident involving a minibus and taxicab took the lives of 24 people, with 3 more injured, according to the Department of Transport.

Reports say that the incident happened around 10pm on the R81 road between Mooketsi and Giyani.

The minibus was apparently returning from the province after a Youth Day celebration. Moreover, the minibus exceeded its passenger capacity with 10 more people.

On the other hand, the taxicab was coming from Mooketsi towards Giyani when the crash took place.

“I can confirm that the number of people confirmed dead is 24,” said spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Ayanda-Allie Paine.

The minibus driver and its two passengers sustained serious injuries and are now at the hospital for medical treatment.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, one driver might have lost control of the vehicle. Thus, causing it to crash to another vehicle on a sharp curve along the road.

“This was the bloodiest weekend we have experience,” RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi stated. “It again point to recklessness and negligence by drivers.”

Police officers are still on the process of identifying all of the deceased and the accident is still under investigation. Furthermore, police are opening a case of culpable homicide.

Limpopo police commissioner Major-General Jan Scheepers was “saddened by the loss of so many people”. However, he assured members of the community that they will do everything they can to get to the bottom of this case.

An accident has also occurred on the same stretch of road at Dingamanzi Village which claimed 6 lives. According to reports, two vehicles collided in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Road Traffic Management Corporation urged motorists to drive more carefully and respect traffic laws.