Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of six people who died in a truck crash at Mcetheni Location in Mbizana on Saturday morning, 31 October 2026. The tragedy marks the third crash in the Eastern Cape in the past seven days to claim six lives, bringing the death toll from the three crashes to 18.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:15 when an Isuzu truck, carrying about 30 occupants travelling from Mswakazi in the Port St Johns area to attend a traditional ceremony, reportedly overturned after the driver lost control on a gravel road.
The deceased comprise two males and four females. Several other passengers sustained injuries and were transported to Holy Cross Provincial Hospital in Flagstaff. The exact number of injured passengers has yet to be confirmed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with a culpable homicide case expected to be opened at Flagstaff SAPS.
MEC Nqatha said the recurring loss of life was deeply distressing, particularly following two fatal crashes near Aberdeen along the R61 and near Komani last weekend, each of which also claimed six lives.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured. Eighteen lives lost in three crashes within seven days is a painful reminder of the devastating impact of road crashes on our communities.
“We cannot allow such tragedies to become just another statistic. We urge all drivers, particularly those transporting passengers, to exercise extreme caution, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and adjust their driving to road conditions. Every life matters, and we all have a responsibility to make our roads safer,” said MEC Nqatha.