Limpopo Transport Department Mourns Women Killed in R81 Accident, SA Says: “That Road Needs Prayers”
- The Department of Transport in Limpopo has extended its condolences to the families of the victims of a fatal accident
- The accident, which happened on Women's Day on the R81, near Sekgopo, left at least 45 people with minor injuries
- South Africans shared their thoughts on social media about the accident and the road it happened on
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
LIMPOPO - The province of Limpopo is still reeling following a devastating accident on Women’s Day.
Four women were tragically killed and many others were injured when a bus overturned on the R81 near Sekgopo, Mopani District. The bus was reportedly transporting Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members from the Giyani area to Moria before the tragic accident.
The Limpopo Department of Transport has urged road users to be extra cautious following the devastating crash, saying it was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
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What did the department say?
In an official statement, the department noted that preliminary reports indicated that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which led to it overturning. All four women were declared deceased at the scene.
“Sadly, four women were declared deceased at the scene. Eight passengers sustained serious to moderate injuries, while 45 others, including the bus driver, suffered minor injuries,” the statement read.
It also noted that all injured passengers were transported to Kgapane Hospital, Mankweng Hospital, and Van Velden Hospital for urgent medical care.
MEC visits injured passengers
The department also confirmed that the Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport and Community Safety in the province, Susana Violet Mathye, visited the injured passengers in the hospital. The MEC also visited the scene of the accident, while the department extended its deepest condolences to those affected by the fatal accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of immense grief. We also wish those injured a full and speedy recovery,” the statement said.
Source: Facebook
It also called on all road users, especially public transport operators, to exercise caution, adhere to road rules, and prioritise the safety of passengers. The department hopes to ensure that such tragedies don’t happen again, as the province is no stranger to fatal accidents.
In December 2024, seven people were killed in an accident on the N1 near Ga-Phasha, Botlokwa. In February 2025, 15 people died in a horrific accident on the R40 road in Hoedspruit.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users were devastated by the news, with some noting that the stretch of road in particular was considered dangerous.
Lawrence Omar King said:
“There's something wrong with the Limpopo roads, and something must be done by the surrounding areas.”
Thapelo Juluka Machaka added:
“That road is very dangerous. If you travel on that road, you should be careful. It’s like Majuba, in between Mpumalanga and KZN. May their souls rest in peace.”
Elĺ Ścorťen Tķ agreed:
“Something is wrong with the R81.”
Dudu Pretty stated:
“My friend was in that bus.😭Very painful.”
Boledis Ramonyai said:
“Mara, that road needs prayers.”
Limpopo crash leave three dead
Briefly News reported that three people lost their lives in Limpopo when a truck overturned on the R36.
The incident, which happened on 25 March 2025, left over 50 people injured as well.
The truck was reportedly carrying workers from a company before the fatal accident.
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Source: Briefly News
