LIMPOPO – The communities of Hoedspruit and Acornhoek are in mourning after a devastating collision on the R40 near Kapama claimed 13 lives early on Saturday morning.

Among the victims were eight employees of Le Bamba Supermarket in Hoedspruit and a 12-year-old Drakensig Primary School learner, Misses Makene.

10 of those who passed away were in a minibus taxi, reportedly used as transport for Le Bamba staff, while the remaining three were in a bakkie. Both vehicles caught fire upon impact. Three victims in the taxi survived the accident and were transported to Tintswalo Hospital.

Residents expressed their grief on the Hoedspruit Town Facebook page, sharing condolences and shock over the horrific accident.

In response, Le Bamba Supermarket announced a two-day closure to mourn its staff members. “This is not just a store closure; it is a moment for our entire family at Le Bamba Supermarket to come together and support one another. The news has deeply affected us all. The smiles and friendly faces our customers are used to seeing will be missed. We ask that you keep our staff members and their families in your thoughts and prayers,” the store said in a statement.

Maruleng Local Municipality Mayor Tsheko Musolwa expressed his condolences, urging motorists to exercise caution. “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. We continue to call on all road users to be vigilant and adhere to traffic laws,” he said.

DA PR councillor Portia Moropane commended the Maruleng community for rallying around the bereaved families. “In times of grief, it is the support and kindness of others that help us through the darkness. Your words, deeds, and presence have brought comfort to those suffering this profound loss,” she said.

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, visited the crash site and urged motorists to be cautious on major routes. “I am deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families, next of kin, and the broader community. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” she said.

Authorities confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

Drakensig Primary School held a memorial for Misses Makene on Wednesday, February 12.

Meanwhile, a number of residents in Hoedspruit gathered on Thursday, February 13 for the fundraiser walk in support of Drakensig Primary, Le Bamba and Hakuna Matata Hardware, along with affected schools and families to aid in recovery from the tragedy through business relief, counselling and other necessary assistance.

Names of those who died in the accident:

Lindisi Vivian Mathebula (43)
Kamogelo Gift Mathebula (46)
Asaph Mlambo (36)
Julia Mercy Dilebo (54)
Yvone Mashego (28)
Emercia Cornelia Sekome (50)
Loveness Nukeri (21)
Palesa Maile (29)
Misses Makene (12)
Shadrack Makene (55)
Bhagyashli (26)
Shejaz Bhagyashli (29)
Mahmad Mustakbhi (25)