A Volkswagen Polo driver was declared dead after a collision with a minibus taxi towing a heavily loaded trailer on the N4 between Rivulets and the Sudwala turn-off on January 9.

A mother and her young child, passengers in the Polo, sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

The crash caused significant traffic disruption, with the eastbound lane completely blocked and the westbound lane partially obstructed.

According to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison’s spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, the heavily loaded trailer likely contributed to the accident.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the trailer may have pushed the taxi down a steep descent, leading the driver to lose control,” said Mmusi.

The out-of-control taxi then collided with the Polo. The Mozambican taxi was reportedly en route back to Mozambique.

Mmusi emphasized the importance of reducing speed and avoiding overloading, noting these as leading causes of road fatalities.

The department’s accident experts are conducting further investigations into the incident.