Five people lost their lives in a devastating crash on Friday, 13 June 2025, along the N2 between Ermelo and Mkhondo (formerly Piet Retief). The accident, which occurred near Ngwempisi, involved two sedans and a truck.
Preliminary reports indicate that one sedan was allegedly travelling at over 170 km/h and failed to stop when signalled by law enforcement. It struck another sedan, which then veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a truck. All five occupants of the second sedan — its driver and four passengers — died at the scene.
There were four reported survivors: the arrested driver of the first sedan and a woman with her two minor children, one of whom sustained serious injuries. The driver faces charges of excessive speeding, failure to stop, and allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Jackie Macie, again appealed to motorists to obey the rules of the road. “Too many tears have been shed already and too many families have been left devastated by inconsiderate, reckless and negligent driver behaviour — this needs to stop,” he said, extending condolences to the bereaved families.
Investigations continue, and iNews will provide updates as more information becomes available.