One passenger killed in Limpopo taxi crash

One passenger killed in Limpopo taxi crash as SANTACO reiterates road safety call

Mapaballo Borotho

One passenger has died and several others were injured after a minibus taxi overturned on the N1 in Limpopo following a tyre burst.
SANTACO has extended condolences to the bereaved family and confirmed that the injured commuters are receiving treatment in Mokopane.
The council has renewed calls for road safety, adequate driver rest and strict vehicle roadworthiness to prevent future accidents.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has expressed its condolences to the family of a commuter who lost his life in a minibus taxi accident on the N1 in Limpopo.

The Toyota Quantum was transporting passengers from Bochum to Tembisa, east of Johannesburg, on Monday, 5 January 2026, when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle following a tyre burst, causing the taxi to overturn.

One passenger died at the scene, while the remaining occupants sustained injuries and were taken to Voortrekker Hospital in Mokopane for medical treatment.

SANTACO spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said the council’s Limpopo leadership would visit the injured commuters to provide support to both the passengers and their families.

“SANTACO President Abnar Tsebe had conveyed his deep sadness over the incident, extending heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing those injured a speedy recovery. The organisation has once again called for heightened vigilance on the roads and strict compliance with vehicle roadworthiness requirements to prevent similar tragedies,” she said.

Phala further reiterated the council’s commitment to road safety, urging continued cooperation among taxi operators, drivers, commuters, and law enforcement agencies.

Taxi drivers operating long-distance and cross-border routes are encouraged to prioritise adequate rest, while taxi owners are advised to utilise reliever drivers to reduce fatigue.

Phala noted that fatigue and distracted driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents and should be actively avoided.

Commuters have also been urged to use accredited public transport services, including registered taxis operating within regulated frameworks.