At the time of going to print on Tuesday, the bereaved families were considering having a mass funeral to allow relatives and friends to have enough time to mourn and give their children a dignified send-off. The mayor said that as a municipality they are committed to supporting the families during this trying time. “We are here as the leadership of the municipality to provide support and comfort to these families. “In addition, the municipality will continue to work closely with these families through our ward councillors until the last day,” the mayor said.

She also stated that a mass funeral “is in line with the families’ wishes, not that of the municipality”. However, they will respect and support any decision taken by the families, she said. The accident happened when a Nissan bakkie carrying thirteen people allegedly was hit by an Isuzu heavy vehicle and a Toyota Quantum minibus travelling in the opposite direction along the D3260 road towards Selwane. Seven people died at the scene and one died on the way to the hospital. Other injured people were taken to Maphutha Malatji Hospital in Namakgale.

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Speeding and reckless driving are allegedly cited as possible causes of the accident. Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC, Polly Boshielo has sent messages of condolences to the families of the deceased. “We are saddened by these fatalities and send our deepest condolences to the families that are affected in this tragic incident. “We plead with motorists to obey the rules of the road, for them to arrive at their respective destinations alive and sound.

“It cannot be right that motorists become impatient to a point where lives are lost in this manner. We have to, at all times, obey and follow the rules of the letter of the law. It’s the only way to arrive alive and save lives,” said Boshielo. If the mass funeral goes ahead, it will take place at Lulekani Community Hall on Saturday