PHALABORWA – Four people lost their lives in two separate crashes along the R71 near Phalaborwa over the weekend, raising concerns over reckless driving and pedestrian safety on the road.

First crash: Saturday evening near Gravelotte

The first incident occurred near Gravelotte along the road to Phalaborwa, next to the Selati River Ruins, on Saturday (May 23), at approximately 7:00 PM.

According to preliminary reports, the driver of a VW sedan allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle on a barrier line before colliding head-on with a motorbike.

Three dead, four seriously injured

The impact caused the motorbike to overturn, claiming the lives of two riders, a man and a woman.

The driver of the vehicle also died in the crash. Four other occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment.

Preliminary investigations indicate that reckless driving may have contributed to the crash.

Second crash: Sunday morning in Majeje

In a separate incident on Sunday morning (May 24), a female pedestrian believed to be about 40-years-old was fatally struck by a sedan while attempting to cross the R71 near Maano Guesthouse in Majeje.

She succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Department urges road safety

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety expressed its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

The department urged motorists to obey road safety regulations, warning that reckless behaviour on the roads can result in fatalities and life-changing injuries.