21 People Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash in South Africa

By Benson Daniel

At least 21 people have died after two minibus taxis and an SUV collided on a highway in South Africa’s Western Cape province.

The fatal crash occurred between Leeu-Gamka and Prince Albert, about 380 kilometres northeast of Cape Town, according to South Africa’s Road Traffic Management Corporation.

The road safety agency confirmed that 21 people sustained fatal injuries in the collision, while several other occupants were taken to hospital for treatment.

The crash reportedly occurred late Sunday night, leading to the closure of the highway as emergency responders and authorities worked at the scene.

Police have opened a culpable homicide investigation as efforts continue to establish the circumstances that led to the collision.

South Africa continues to face a serious road safety challenge, with thousands of people losing their lives in traffic crashes every year. Authorities have repeatedly identified speeding, reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles and failure to use seat belts among the factors contributing to the country’s high road fatality rate.

Official figures show that 11,485 people were killed in road crashes across South Africa in 2025, although the figure represented a decline of more than five per cent compared with the previous year.

The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about road safety and the risks faced by passengers travelling on the country’s highways, particularly in areas where long-distance transport relies heavily on minibus taxis.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the crash as families and communities deal with the loss of the victims.