President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his “devastation and sadness” after 24 people died in a collision involving a minibus taxi and a bus on the R81 in Maphalle, Limpopo Sunday evening.
It is understood that the occupants of the minibus were returning from Youth Day celebrations that took place in Polokwane when the accident occurred.
“The deaths of these people is heartbreaking. It is absolutely devastating to lose so many young lives in this manner. On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I send our deepest condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured, we wish them a speedy recovery,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
In a statement issued earlier on Sunday, the Road Traffic Management Corporation said it was investigating at least three major crashes in which 36 people died over the long weekend.
Ramaphosa has directed all affected authorities to promptly step up their actions to assist where necessary
