Six people have lost their lives while scores sustained multiple injuries following two accidents that occurred on different roads in the O R Tambo District on Saturday, 29 August 2026.
The first accident occurred on the N2 road in Mthatha near Vidgesville towards Idutywa, when an Isuzu Double cab with 6 occupants overturned and rolled over several times, ploughing all the occupants. The vehicle was travelling from Idutywa towards Mthatha with six occupants, including the driver. It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Two male passengers were declared dead at the scene by emergency services, while four injured occupants were taken to Mthatha Regional Hospital for further medical assistance.
The second accident happened on the N2 Qumbu at Marhambeni towards KwaBhaca when the driver of a Ford Ranger Double Cab bakkie lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was travelling from (KZN) KwaBhaca towards Qumbu, heading to (Cofimvaba) with 15 occupants. Four occupants lost their lives and were declared dead at the scene by emergency services while 11 people sustained serious injuries.
All the injured passengers rushed to the Malizo Ka Mpehle Hospital in Tsolo. The primary cause of these accidents is reckless and negligent driving, particularly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has strongly condemned motorists who drive while intoxicated and continues to urge all drivers to follow traffic regulations. The MEC has expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and wishes a swift recovery to the injured passengers.
Cases of culpable homicide have been opened at the Qumbu and Bityi police stations for further investigation.