22 lives lost on South African roads in one week

Mapaballo Borotho

M1 highway in Booysens closed after bus collision

At least 22 people have died in multiple road crashes across South Africa this week.
SANTACO has expressed heartbreak over the rising fatalities and urged stronger road safety measures.
The council is calling on law enforcement to act firmly against reckless and negligent driving.

At least 22 people have lost their lives on South African roads this week alone due to car accidents that occurred across the country.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has described the series of tragic road accidents as saddening.

On Sunday, 26 October 2025, seven people were killed in a collision between a minibus taxi and an SUV on the road between Dullstroom and Belfast in Mpumalanga. The taxi was transporting passengers from Limpopo to Gauteng.

On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, another seven lives were lost in Bassonia, south of Johannesburg, after a minibus taxi collided with a bakkie.

The most recent crash that claimed lives happened on Thursday, 30 October 2025, when eight people were killed and several others injured in a crash on the N3 near Swinburne, involving a minibus taxi and a truck between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose.

SANTACO President Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe, together with the entire national leadership, has expressed deep concern and heartbreak over the rising number of fatalities and the devastating impact on families and communities.

“These incidents are a painful reminder that road safety is a collective responsibility, one that requires urgent action and renewed commitment from all of us within the transport sector. We are committed to leading from the front in rebuilding trust and prioritizing safety. Every life lost is one too many,” said Tsebe.

The taxi council extended its heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.

The Council has called on law enforcement to maintain strong visibility on major routes and to act decisively against reckless and negligent driving.