Update: Three Killed in N2 Crash Near Pongola, Duma Vows to Intensify Truck Crackdown

Three people lost their lives and two others were seriously injured in a horrific crash involving a truck and a light motor vehicle on the N2 near Pongola on Saturday afternoon.

According to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, the crash happened around 16:19 when a truck collided with a bakkie just a few kilometres from Itshelejuba, forcing authorities to close one lane while emergency services worked at the scene.

“We send our deepest condolences to the families of the three victims,” said Duma in a statement. “Our dedicated Road Traffic Inspectorate team is on-site, working with emergency services and local traffic authorities. The SAPS has taken over the investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.”

The MEC said the incident underscores the urgent need to address truck-related accidents in the province, which have claimed many lives in recent months. As part of the department’s intensified crackdown, operations have been ramped up at more than 17 weighbridges across KwaZulu-Natal.

Since the start of the operation earlier this week, authorities have arrested 10 undocumented foreign nationals – including three truck drivers without valid Professional Driving Permits. Nearly 208 000 vehicles have been weighed at provincial weighbridges in recent months, with 23.6% found to be overloaded.

Duma also expressed hope that the introduction of six new train operators to transport coal and chrome along the North Corridor will help reduce heavy truck traffic on provincial roads. “Trucks have destroyed families — they’ve created orphans, widows, and left many people living with disabilities,” he said.

Motorists are urged to proceed with caution on the N2 as recovery operations continue. Police investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.