A tragic accident on the N1 between Polokwane and Mokopane has left a family devastated after five of its members lost their lives. The incident occurred on Friday, 8 November, when a white Volvo carrying the family veered off the road in Limpopo’s Waterberg District, overturning and colliding with nearby trees. Authorities suspect a burst tyre may have caused the fatal crash.
The victims, identified as Dawie Snyders, Minnette van Wyk (33), her children Jeanette (10) and Christia van Wyk (10), and family friend JH Claasen (13), were all pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement, Limpopo’s MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, expressed deep sorrow. “On behalf of myself, the department, and the people of Limpopo, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and next of kin of the deceased. We pray that the Almighty will be with them during this difficult time,” she said, urging motorists to take extra care on the roads to prevent such tragedies.
For Bianca Meyer, a close family friend and next of kin, the loss is indescribable. “It’s devastating to lose five family members in less than an hour. I took them as my own family. Minnette was like a sister to me—we would check in on each other every day. Just before the accident, we were texting on WhatsApp. I even sent her a voice note, but she never replied,” Meyer shared, fighting back tears. “I’m struggling to come to terms with their deaths.”
As the community mourns, the Department of Transport and Community Safety urges everyone to stay vigilant on the road.
