A total of 172 people lost their lives in 733 road crashes recorded across Mpumalanga during the 2025/26 festive season.
The crashes occurred between December 1, 2025, and January 11, according to statistics presented by Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, Jackie Macie, during a briefing in Mbombela on January 29.

The festive season crashes left 379 people seriously injured, while 842 sustained slight injuries.
Although the province recorded a decrease in crashes compared to the previous festive season, Macie said the increase in fatalities by 29 was deeply concerning.

Most crashes occurred over weekends, particularly at night and in the early hours of the morning.

A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on the N4 Freeway on New Year’s Day
Read more here: https://t.co/3GE8dPJXlF pic.twitter.com/nypODKy6Ob

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Roads that recorded a high number of fatalities included the N4, N12, R40, R573, R537, and R33, with the N4 leading.

“These statistics are not just numbers; they represent empty chairs at family tables, unfinished dreams, and communities left in mourning. Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” Macie said.

He added that the department will intensify efforts to curb road carnage, including increased law enforcement deployments on weekends and at night, stronger collaboration with SAPS and municipalities, expanded road safety education programmes, and stricter consequence management for reckless and criminal road behavior.

Authorities have urged road users to obey traffic laws, avoid drinking and driving, and prioritise safety to prevent further loss of life.

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