It has been confirmed that a seventh person passed away in hospital, following a horrific accident in Dullstroom.

The accident claimed six lives, all pronounced dead on the scene, while eight other passengers were injured when a GWM Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a minibus taxi collided on the R540 between Dullstroom and Lydenburg (Mashishing) at around 14:00.

Three of the Dullstroom victims’ families spoke to Middelburg Observer.
• Mabore Hilda Mabuma

One of the six victims of the deadly Sunday collision between Lydenburg and Belfast has been identified as Ms Mabore Hilda Mabuma.

Mabore was on her way to work from Lydenburg to Belfast, where she worked as a primary school teacher at Belfast Primary School.

Her son, Gladwyn, told the Observer that his mom lived for the kids that she taught. He said the school was in shock upon learning of the accident in which five other occupants of the minibus taxi passed away.

Gladwyn added that funeral arrangements have not been finalised. Mabore was originally from Johannesburg.

• Godfrey and Emmanuel Selahle

According to Winnas Selahle, the sister of victims Godfrey Selahle (51) and Emmanuel Selahle (35), the brothers were travelling to Thembisa from Rietfontein, after a weekend spent with family and loved ones. They were heading to Thembisa to find employment when the fatal crash occurred.

Godfrey leaves behind a wife and six children, and Emmanuel leaves behind two young children.

Winnas said that funeral arrangements have been made for the brothers, which will take place on November 1 in Kgautswane Village, Rietfontein.

• Thapelo Mampho

Patrick Moimana is the uncle of victim Thapelo Mampho (34), who said his nephew was a passenger in the taxi. Thapelo was on his way back from a funeral at home, going to Gauteng, where he worked, when the accident occurred.

Patrick described him as a quiet person who loved people and never troubled anyone. “I was deeply hurt when I learnt of his passing. He was such a family man who looked after his children. I also feel sorry for the other families who lost their loved ones in this accident because we all come from the same place. It is truly saddening, but accidents happen, we can only accept it‚” he said.

Thapelo leaves behind two young boys, two sisters, and his wife.

His family will miss him dearly. The funeral will be on November 1 in Kgautswane Village.

• The other victims were identified as Collin Masego and Thomas Kgoedi. The seventh victim has not been identified yet.

• Another man also lost his life in an accident along the Stoffberg road over the weekend.