According to the police report, the truck that had been transporting farmworkers on the D1246 towards eMahlathini Border Gate overturned leaving three dead.

The eMahlathini border links the country and eSwatini near Mkhondo. The truck driver seemingly lost control and this led to the vehicle overturning on the gravel road. The victims were declared dead on the scene.

The deceased include two men and one woman.

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The driver was slightly injured while one person sustained serious injuries. Both were transported to the nearby Piet Retief Provincial Hospital for medical attention. It is also alleged that the vehicle’s licence may have expired, and this will form part of the investigation into the crash that is already under way.

The Mpumalanga MEC for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, has once again called on farmers and employers to provide safer transportation for their workers.

“Farm owners must always ensure the safety of workers on the road. We cannot afford to have people being transported in a manner that endangers their lives.

Those who employ and ferry workers should always obey the rules,” Shongwe said. He also sent his condolences to the bereaved families and also wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.