Police have opened two culpable-homicide investigations after separate N2 crashes in the OR Tambo District killed six people and injured 15.
Six people were killed and 15 others injured in two separate crashes on the N2 in the OR Tambo District on Saturday, according to Eastern Cape transport officials.
The first crash happened near Vidgesville on the stretch between Mthatha and Idutywa. A double-cab bakkie carrying six people overturned after the driver reportedly lost control. Two male passengers died at the scene and four other occupants were taken to Mthatha Regional Hospital.
Several hours later, another double-cab bakkie carrying 15 occupants crashed at Marhambeni near Qumbu while travelling in the direction of KwaBhaca. Four people died and 11 sustained serious injuries, Komani News reported, citing provincial authorities. The injured were taken to Malizo Ka Mpehle Hospital in Tsolo.
SABC News independently reported the same death and injury totals after speaking to provincial transport spokesperson Makhaya Komisa.
Police opened culpable-homicide cases at the Qumbu and Bityi police stations. A culpable-homicide investigation does not determine blame: investigators must still establish the sequence of events, the condition of the vehicles and whether any traffic offence contributed to either crash.
Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha urged motorists to obey traffic regulations and warned against reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The departmentâ€s warning should not be read as a confirmed finding that alcohol caused either crash. The publicly available reports did not include toxicology results, mechanical assessments or final police conclusions. Both investigations remain open.
Authorities had not released the names or ages of those who died by Sunday afternoon. Withholding those details allows police and health officials time to complete identification and notify relatives.
The two crashes involved heavily occupied bakkies on the same national route but at different locations. They are being investigated separately, and there is no indication that the incidents were connected.
The N2 is a major route through the Eastern Cape, linking communities with Mthatha, Qumbu and other centres. Weekend traffic, long distances and changing road conditions make speed, vehicle loading and driver alertness continuing concerns on the corridor.
Motorists who witnessed either crash or have information relevant to the investigations should contact the Qumbu or Bityi police stations rather than circulate unverified images or claims about those involved.
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