Six people died and several others were injured on Saturday after two separate crashes on the N2 in the OR Tambo District, provincial traffic authorities said. The incidents, both involving double-cab bakkies carrying multiple occupants, occurred near Mthatha and Qumbu.
What happened
Provincial Traffic spokesperson Makaya Komisa said the first collision occurred on the N2 near Vidgesville, heading towards Idutywa, when an Isuzu double cab carrying six people lost control and overturned. Two male passengers were declared dead at the scene and four other occupants were injured.
The second crash took place on the N2 at Marhambeni, near Qumbu and towards KwaBhaca. In that incident a Ford Ranger double cab carrying 15 occupants lost control. Four people were declared dead at the scene and 11 others sustained injuries.
Casualties and medical response
All injured occupants were taken to nearby public hospitals for treatment. Those from the Mthatha-area crash were taken to Mthatha Hospital, while casualties from the Qumbu crash were taken to Malizo Ka Mpehle Hospital in Tsolo. The provincial traffic office did not provide further details on the severity of injuries or the ages and identities of the victims.
Official response and investigations
Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha strongly condemned motorists who drive while intoxicated and urged all drivers to follow traffic regulations. The MEC expressed condolences to the grieving families and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
Provincial authorities have opened cases of culpable homicide in relation to both incidents. The Qumbu and Bityi police stations have been tasked with further investigations, Komisa said.
Key facts at a glance
- Date: Saturday (no precise time supplied by provincial traffic)
- District: OR Tambo
- Road: N2
- Vehicles: Isuzu double cab (Mthatha/Vidgesville); Ford Ranger double cab (Qumbu/Marhambeni)
- Fatalities: 6 (2 at Mthatha scene; 4 at Qumbu scene)
- Injured: 15 (4 from Mthatha crash; 11 from Qumbu crash)
- Hospitals: Mthatha Hospital; Malizo Ka Mpehle Hospital, Tsolo
- Police stations handling cases: Qumbu; Bityi
| Location | Vehicle | Occupants | Deaths | Injured | Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vidgesville (N2) towards Idutywa | Isuzu double cab | 6 | 2 | 4 | Mthatha Hospital |
| Marhambeni (N2) towards KwaBhaca (Qumbu) | Ford Ranger double cab | 15 | 4 | 11 | Malizo Ka Mpehle Hospital, Tsolo |
Wider context and safety note
The OR Tambo District section of the N2 links a number of towns and is a vital transport corridor. Provincial traffic authorities repeatedly warn against overloading of vehicles, excessive speed and driving under the influence — factors that commonly contribute to multi-occupant crashes.
Excessive passenger loads in double-cab bakkies are a recognised safety risk: they reduce vehicle stability, affect handling and increase the likelihood of occupants being ejected or crushed in a rollover. Provincial traffic and the MEC’s office reiterated the need for drivers to adhere to licensing and road-safety provisions and for communities to report reckless driving to the police.
What the public should know
- Police have opened culpable-homicide cases at Qumbu and Bityi police stations; families seeking information should contact those stations for updates on investigations.
- Anyone who witnessed either crash or has dashcam footage is urged to make it available to the investigating officers to assist reconstruction of events.
- Motorists are reminded that overloading increases risk; lawful occupant limits and seatbelt use save lives.
Provincial traffic did not provide further comment on whether alcohol or speed were factors in either incident. Investigations by the SAPS and traffic authorities will determine causes and any criminal culpability.
This newsroom will continue to report on developments, including statements from investigators and any post-mortem or identifying information released by police.
