Fatal crashes in Mopani spark safety warnings
Fatal crashes in Mopani claim lives of a Nyakelane child and an R71 driver, prompting renewed warnings on reckless driving.
PHALABORWA – Residents of Nyakelane village are mourning the loss of a five-year-old girl who was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on Sunday, September 7.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 16:30 along Tshelang Gape Road, leading to Makhushane Dairing. Police were called to the scene, where they found the young child lying motionless on the roadside. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the child was allegedly struck by a grey Hyundai Getz, which had left the scene before authorities arrived. Reports indicate that the girl was attempting to cross the road at the time of the incident.
Community members who witnessed the incident assisted police by providing crucial information, leading the driver to later report the matter at the police station.
Police in Namakgale have opened a case of culpable homicide, and investigations are ongoing.
In another fatal crash on Friday morning, September 5, a 43-year-old man died when his light motor vehicle collided head-on with a truck on the R71.
According to the Department of Transport and Community Safety, preliminary reports indicate that reckless driving may have caused the incident. The driver of the light vehicle is alleged to have overtaken on a barrier line before colliding with the oncoming truck.
The impact ignited both vehicles, which were completely destroyed by fire. The collision caused significant traffic disruptions, forcing authorities to close the R71 between Gravelotte and Phalaborwa for approximately five hours while emergency teams cleared the scene.
Motorists travelling to Polokwane were advised to use the Giyani or Mica roads as alternative routes.
The Department of Transport has urged motorists to drive responsibly and adhere to road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
