Seventh body recovered after Christmas Day crash on R518 in Limpopo

Limpopo police have confirmed the recovery of a seventh body following a horrific motor vehicle accident on Christmas Day on the R518 near Mogalakwena Bridge, between Tinmyne and Masodi village in the Waterberg district.

The crash occurred at about 9.30am on December 25 when a white Suzuki mini-truck travelling from Mokamole towards Mokopane allegedly struck a bridge barrier, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said.

Six people - four adult men and two adult women - were certified dead at the scene. Five adults and two children who were injured were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.

The deceased were transported by Forensic Pathology Services, Ledwaba said.

“Following the incident, police divers continued with search operations along the river due to fears that additional occupants may have been swept away by the water,” he said.

On Friday, the body of a seventh male victim was discovered more than one kilometre from the original accident scene.

Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. “Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing,” Ledwaba said.

The crash comes amid a spate of deadly accidents in the province. On Wednesday, December 24, six people were killed in a separate collision on the R518 between Mokopane and Marken, also in the Mogalakwena municipality.

Five people were declared dead at the scene. Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala later confirmed the death toll rose to six after emergency teams recovered another body from a nearby river.

“The body was found in the river while the scene was being cleared. Apparently, the vehicle fell into the river after hitting the bridge and had to be extricated,” Taueatsoala said.

Preliminary reports indicate that a light delivery vehicle lost control on the Marken–Mosesetjane road, crashed into a bridge and plunged into the river. Seven passengers were injured, two of them critically, and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye has sent condolences to the families of the deceased.

"Christmas is meant for joy and family gatherings .Unfortunately lives have been lost. I wish to convey deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery."

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