UPDATE 18:25

The mechanical repairs have been completed, and the jackknifed abnormal truck has been removed, allowing all lanes in both directions to operate normally again.

Traffic officers have left the site and are no longer directing traffic.

13:50

LIMPOPO – Motorists travelling between Polokwane and Mokopane are experiencing significant delays after an abnormal truck jackknifed on the N1 South at Ysterberg.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the incident initially resulted in the closure of both southbound lanes and one northbound lane while recovery operations were underway.

Departmental spokesperson Ms Mashudu Mabata said traffic officers remain on site to manage traffic flow and assist motorists.

In a later update, the department confirmed that towing services were unable to immediately remove the truck due to mechanical problems.

“A mechanic has been called in and repairs are currently underway. It is estimated that the process will take approximately two to three hours,” Mabata said.

To ease congestion, authorities have reopened one southbound lane and both northbound lanes, while traffic continues to be controlled in the area.

Motorists travelling between Polokwane and Mokopane have been strongly advised to use the R101 as an alternative route over the next few hours to avoid lengthy delays.

The department warned that traffic is expected to remain slow-moving near Ysterberg and urged drivers to reduce speed and approach the area with caution, describing it as a known accident hotspot.

Heavy vehicle drivers have also been urged to exercise extreme caution due to limited road space and ongoing recovery operations.