Four women lost their lives in a head-on collision between a sedan and a truck on the R23 between Volksrust and Perdekop on Friday night, 23 April 2026.
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, four other people sustained injuries. These include the driver and three passengers in the sedan, while the truck driver suffered minor injuries. All injured individuals were transported to a nearby hospital in Standerton for treatment.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, although reckless and negligent driving have not been ruled out.
Jackie Macie extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He urged motorists to obey road rules and remain focused behind the wheel, warning that crashes not only claim lives but also place a significant financial burden on the country through the Road Accident Fund.
Authorities noted that the R23 remains a high-risk route, particularly during busy holiday periods when traffic volumes increase.