Latest news with #LimpopoDepartmentofTransportandCommunitySafety
The South African
16 hours ago
- The South African
Tragic end to Women's Day: Limpopo bus accident claims four lives
Women's Day ended tragically in Limpopo when four women died in a bus accident. The accident happened on Saturday, 9 August, on the R81 road in Sekgopo, Mopani District. According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, preliminary reports indicate that the driver lost control of the bus, which subsequently overturned. Sadly, four women were declared deceased at the scene. Eight passengers sustained serious to moderate injuries, while 45 others, including the bus driver, suffered minor injuries. 'All injured passengers were swiftly transported to Kgapane Hospital, Mankweng Hospital, and Van Velden Hospital for urgent medical care.' The Department said the exact cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Meanwhile, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo, Susana Mathye, extended her condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. Mathye said their thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of immense grief. 'We also wish those injured a full and speedy recovery. On this sombre note, we urge all road users, particularly public transport operators, to exercise extreme caution, strictly obey the rules of the road, and prioritise the safety of all passengers. 'Let us work together to ensure that every journey ends with the safe arrival of all travelers,' she added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
32 arrested for drunk driving during Limpopo Phuza Weekend crackdown
POLOKWANE – A total of 32 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety's Phuza Weekend Operation. The operation was conducted from Friday to Sunday (August 1-3) across several traffic stations in Limpopo, including Polokwane, Tzaneen, Giyani, Phalaborwa, Dendron, Modimolle, Makhado and Bolobedu. You might also want to read: 12 drunk drivers arrested by Limpopo traffic officials Transport spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said those arrested are between the ages of 28 and 50 and that the highest blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 1.65mg/l (more than three times the legal limit). Chuene said one man was also taken into custody for obstructing officers while they were executing their duties. She applauded the officers involved and condemned the behaviour of those who put lives at risk by choosing to drink and drive. 'Drunk driving is a serious offence that can result in accidents, injuries, and deaths,' said MEC Violet Mathye. 'We urge all motorists to prioritise safety and make responsible decisions.' Chuene said operations of this nature will continue across the province as part of ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve compliance.
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
Phuza Weekend Operation leads to a dramatic rise in drunk driving arrests in Limpopo
Limpopo's recent Phuza Weekend Operation resulted in a significant rise in arrests for drunk driving. Image: Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety/ Facebook As the fight against drunk driving intensifies, Limpopo's recent Phuza Weekend Operation has revealed alarming statistics. With arrests for driving under the influence nearly tripling in just one week, the local authorities are taking a firm stance against this dangerous behaviour to ensure the safety of all road users. From August 1 to 3, the Phuza Weekend Operation conducted across various stations in Limpopo resulted in the arrest of 32 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol. The drivers were aged 28 to 50. The operation was conducted at Giyani, Phalaborwa, Dendron, Modimolle, Makhado, Bolobedu, Polokwane, and Tzaneen traffic stations. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said the highest volume of alcohol found in one of the drivers was 1.65mg/l. The department hailed the operation as successful. Law enforcement officers worked tirelessly to ensure road safety and prevent accidents caused by drunk driving. The department lauded officers for their effective work during the Phuza Weekend Operation. It also condemned drivers who endangered themselves and others by driving under the influence of alcohol. 'Drunk driving is a serious offence that can result in accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and we urge all drivers to prioritise road safety and make responsible choices,' said MEC Violet Mathye. Additionally, one male driver was also arrested for interfering with officers while they were performing their duties. Moreover, Limpopo police netted 24 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during Operation Shanela between July 28 and August 3. They also confiscated 1,353.20 litres of alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, 12 male drunk drivers, aged between 26 and 50, were arrested over the July 26 and 27 weekend in Limpopo. The operation was focused in the Waterberg District (Mokopane and Northam) and Mopani District (Bolobedu and Tzaneen).
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Tanker carrying flammable liquid crashes on R521 near Polokwane
POLOKWANE – The R521 between Polokwane and Dendron has been closed following a serious collision involving a heavy motor vehicle tanker and a light delivery vehicle. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety says the incident, which occurred approximately 10km outside Polokwane near Marlo, before Ga-Ramongwane, prompted authorities to shut down the road as a safety precaution due to the tanker carrying a flammable liquid. According to Traffic Alerts Polokwane, the tanker was carrying Hydrochloric Acid and a hazmat team is en route from Gauteng. Transport spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said there are concerns about a possible explosion at the crash site. Emergency services and traffic officials are monitoring the situation, and recovery operations are underway. 'Motorists travelling between Polokwane and Dendron are advised to avoid the area and instead use Moletji Road at Mmakgodu, via Moshate and the R567 Seshego/Moletji route. We urge drivers to remain patient and exercise extreme caution on alternative roads,' his statement read.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Watch: Truck carrying gas cylinders crashes in Limpopo, sparks forest fire
The R71 through Magoebaskloof in Limpopo has been closed until further notice after a truck carrying gas cylinders crashed in the early hours of this morning, sparking a mountain-side forest fire. According to Polokwane Review, Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety acting spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala, in a statement posted just after 08:00, said the blaze is as a result of a crash involving a truck carrying gas cylinders. Emergency response teams including the Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, SARZA Limpopo, Disaster Management and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team were quickly dispatched. By 04:30, crews were still battling the fire, which was creeping down the mountain towards Warriors Camp, making access to the explosion site too dangerous. 'It is too dangerous to access at the moment,' a message on a local WhatsApp group read. Polokwane Review reports that messages on a local emergency WhatsApp group suggest the truck lost control and crashed through the barrier just above the Magoebaskloof Ruskamp as a result of failing brakes and burst into flames at around 01:00. 'Emergency services are still at the scene and although most of the wreckage has been cleared and majority of the consequential fire in the surrounding forest extinguished, the pass remains closed. We have also had reports that the fire has reached the property of the Warriors Basecamp and they are fighting to prevent it from reaching the barn on the property,' a message reads. A video taken by a passing motorist shows flames engulfing a section of the forest, with explosions audible in the background. 'Woah! That's definitely a truck with something that's exploding. It's got something on it,' the driver can be heard saying. Authorities have reminded motorists that heavy vehicles are not permitted to use the R71 and should instead take George's Valley Road as an alternative route. The R71 will remain closed until further notice, and road users are urged to avoid the area. It is also reported that the driver of the truck escaped without injuries. Casualties are yet to be confirmed despite previous reports of one fatality. Taueatsoala said motorists are advised to use the following alternative routes: George's Valley Road (R528 road) R81 via Modjadjiskloof 'Motorists can also use alternative routes as directed by our traffic authorities. We urge all motorists to exercise caution and prioritise their safety. We will provide updates as more information becomes available,' his statement reads. Watch the video: Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
