The Easter weekend of 2025 turned into a nightmare for Mpumalanga, as 18 lives were tragically lost in a series of horrific road accidents. The majority of these fatal incidents occurred along the N4 corridor, stretching between Emalahleni and Komatipoort.
Among the most devastating was a head-on collision near Belfast and Machadodorp, which claimed six lives. In another heartbreaking incident on the R35 near Middelburg, three people, including a toddler, lost their lives in a crash. Additionally, a minibus overturned on the N4 near Middelburg, killing two and injuring 13 others.
Authorities have linked most of these accidents to human error, with speeding, reckless driving, and dangerous overtaking being cited as major causes. In response, law enforcement conducted over 100 arrests for offenses such as drunk driving, and more than 13,500 vehicles were checked in an effort to curb the rising number of fatalities on the roads. Despite these efforts, the devastating loss of life highlights the urgent need for greater road safety measures.
