Key Takeaways
- Five of the nine people who died in the R518 crash were laid to rest during a joint funeral service in Mamatlakala, Limpopo on Saturday, January 3.
- The victims died when a white Suzuki mini truck travelling to Mokopane allegedly slammed into a bridge near the Moseserjane intersection at Mogalakwena Bridge.
- The death toll from the accident increased to nine after more victims succumbed to their injuries, including an 11-month-old baby.
- The joint funeral service was attended by villagers, traditional leaders, and Mogalakwena Local Municipality mayor Ngoako Tauaetsoala to support the grieving families.
- Police investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Introduction to the Tragic Incident
The R518 crash, which occurred near the Moseserjane intersection at Mogalakwena Bridge, resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives. On Saturday, January 3, a joint funeral service was held in Mamatlakala, Limpopo, to lay five of the victims to rest. The emotional service was attended by villagers, traditional leaders, and Mogalakwena Local Municipality mayor Ngoako Tauaetsoala, who came to support the grieving families. The accident occurred when a white Suzuki mini truck travelling to Mokopane allegedly slammed into a bridge, claiming the lives of five people at the scene. The death toll later rose to nine after more victims succumbed to their injuries.
The Funeral Service
The joint funeral service was a somber occasion, with tears flowing as the coffins of the five victims were carried by pallbearers. The service was an opportunity for the community to come together and pay their respects to the deceased. Villagers, traditional leaders, and local government officials attended the funeral to offer their condolences to the families of the victims. The mayor of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Ngoako Tauaetsoala, was among those who attended the service, demonstrating the community’s solidarity with the grieving families. The funeral was a testament to the community’s support for those who have lost loved ones in the tragic accident.
Personal Stories of Loss
One of the heartbroken family members who spoke at the funeral was Tebogo Ramokgonami, the grandfather of 21-year-old Robert Ramokgonami, who was among those killed in the accident. Ramokgonami expressed the difficulty of coping with the loss, saying, "It’s not easy for everyone. We are not coping." He shared that his grandson and his friends were on their way to town to sell fruits to make a living, and on a good day, they could make about R500 to support their families. The loss of his grandson has been particularly painful, as he was young and had his whole life ahead of him. Ramokgonami said, "The pain is too much because one of our family members is no longer with us. We were still expecting a lot from him. He was young and we hoped he would grow and have his own family."
Investigations and Aftermath
The police have confirmed that the death toll from the R518 horror crash increased to nine, with one woman dying on arrival at the hospital and an 11-month-old baby succumbing to injuries on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the police spokesman, stated that police investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing. The investigation will aim to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify any factors that may have contributed to the tragic outcome. The community is awaiting the outcome of the investigation, which will provide closure and help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Conclusion and Reflection
The R518 crash has left a devastating impact on the community, resulting in the loss of nine lives. The joint funeral service was an opportunity for the community to come together and support the grieving families. As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the community will be reflecting on the tragic incident and seeking ways to prevent similar accidents in the future. The accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance on the roads. The community will be remembering the victims of the R518 crash and offering their condolences to the families of the deceased.