A tragic road crash on the N12 between Ogies and Emalahleni claimed seven lives on Monday morning, 8 December 2025.

The collision occurred when one of the vehicles — a sedan — is believed to have lost control, veering off its roadway and crossing into the opposite direction before crashing into an oncoming light delivery vehicle (LDV). The road layout includes a wide separation between the two opposing carriageways, suggesting that excessive speed may have contributed to the incident.

All five occupants of the sedan, comprising two women and three men, died on the scene. The two occupants of the LDV, both men, also died instantly. There were no survivors.

An investigation involving the South African Police Service, the Road Traffic Management Corporation, and the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison is underway. Authorities have indicated that reckless or negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this stage.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Jackie Macie, called on all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the province’s roads.

“Let us all be cautious on the road to curb needless loss of life and injury,” said Macie. “We must all endeavour to abide by the rules of the road at all times.”