New Footage Shows the Full Devastation of R81 Limpopo Crash That Claimed 12 Lives

A newly surfaced video from the scene of Sunday’s horrific crash on the R81 at Ga-Sekgopo has revealed the devastating aftermath of the collision that claimed 12 lives, including a child.

The footage, captured shortly after the accident, shows a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi completely crushed between two heavy trucks, illustrating the immense force of the impact.

All those who died were passengers in the taxi, which was travelling from a church service in Solomondale to Magoro village outside Giyani.

While the official cause of the crash remains under investigation, tyre marks seen in the video suggest the rear truck may have struggled to stop in time before slamming into the taxi and pushing it into another truck ahead. The impact forced the rear truck to climb over the minibus, leaving it flattened beneath the weight.

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The devastating incident, which occurred on Sunday, 28 September 2025, has drawn messages of sympathy from national leaders.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa extended their condolences to the grieving families, describing the crash as a “tragic reminder” of the dangers on South Africa’s roads.

“We express our heartfelt condolences and support to the bereaved families following a major crash that resulted in the loss of twelve lives in the Limpopo Province,” said Creecy and Hlengwa in a joint statement.

According to the SAPS, the victims include one male driver, ten female passengers, and a child aged between seven and ten.

The ministers reiterated their call for heightened caution and responsibility on the roads, urging motorists to prioritise both their safety and that of other road users.

“We call on all motorists for heightened vigilance on the roads and to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others,” they added.

Deputy Minister Hlengwa further confirmed that the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has been instructed to dispatch a specialist crash reconstruction team to investigate the incident and compile a comprehensive report.

Authorities are continuing their investigations, and more information is expected to emerge in the coming days.