Leeu Gamka Police Open Culpable Homicide Case After 21 Die in N1 Accident, SA Blames Taxi Drivers
- Police in Leeu Gamka have opened a culpable homicide docket after a multi-vehicle collision on the N1
- Two Toyota minibus taxis and an SUV were involved in the crash, with 18 people declared dead at the scene
- South Africans weighed in on the accident, with many noting that taxi drivers were once again involved
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
WESTERN CAPE — Police have opened a culpable homicide docket after a horrific collision involving three vehicles on the N1 highway near Leeu Gamka in the Central Karoo.
The accident, which involved two minibus taxis and an SUV, left 21 people dead on Sunday, 12 September 2026. Several others were injured in the crash. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since extended his condolences to the families of those lost in the crash.
Police detail scale of the tragedy
Police spokesperson Chris Spies confirmed the scale of the tragedy, providing an account of what responders encountered upon arrival.
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"On arrival, members found two Toyota minibus taxis and a motor vehicle. 18 occupants sustained multiple injuries, and they were declared dead on the scene.
"Three other occupants also sustained serious injuries and were hospitalised. They were declared deceased on arrival. At least 18 other occupants were also taken for medical treatment to nearby facilities," Spies said.
The cause of the crash had not been established at the time of reporting, but it is understood that at least one of the taxi drivers passed away in the crash.
Social media reacts to the crash
The crash drew widespread reaction online, with many users directing criticism at taxi drivers and road behaviour in South Africa.
Phaahla Nkatane wrote:
"EC taxi drivers, please rest, guys, and stop overtaking on a solid line with convoy, asseblief."
Welcome Lindani Denrest Silwana responded:
"Some of the taxi drivers, they don't sleep and don't rest. They don't obey the rules of the road; hence accidents occur so immensely."
Chester Omnipotent commented:
"People are dropping like flies."
Mampa Matsobane added:
"Taxi drivers always. They don't obey the rules of the road."
Other accidents involving taxis
Briefly News reported that there have been numerous accidents this year involving taxis.
- On 11 September 2025, five children were killed and eight were injured after a taxi ploughed into a creche in Pietermaritzburg.
- A day later, several schoolchildren were injured after a taxi accident in the same area in Imbali as the fatal crash.
- 21 learners were injured on 15 September after a taxi plunged off the Kwakheha Bridge in Impendle.
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Source: Briefly News
