POLOKWANE – Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, has confirmed a fatal minibus crash on the N1 near the Lunds route in the Capricorn District, which claimed five lives in the early hours of today.

According to the department, the incident occurred at approximately 02:21 when the minibus, which was carrying 27 passengers, far exceeding its legal capacity, overturned after reportedly suffering a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control.

Five passengers, three women and two men, were killed.

The driver and 11 other passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals.

“We are saddened by this tragic loss of life. We wish the injured a speedy recovery, and our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy,” Mathye said in a statement.

She reiterated the department’s call for all drivers to conduct thorough pre-trip inspections before any journey.