Tragic head-on collision on R23 claims four lives in Mpumalanga
Four killed in devastating crash on R23 in Mpumalanga.
Image: Supplied
Four people were killed on the R23 between Standerton and Perdekop when a sedan collided head‑on with a light delivery vehicle on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The deceased, all adults, were occupants of the sedan, including the driver.
The driver of the delivery car and a child were seriously injured and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, said the loss was a tragic for the families and a huge blow to the community. He warned that reckless driving and failure to obey road rules burden insurers and the government with hefty claims.
“We urge all road users to adhere to the rules, stay alert and concentrate fully to avoid deadly crashes,” Macie added.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the crash remains under investigation.
Last week, seven people have died in a multiple vehicle crash along the R61, near Beyele outside of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said the collision involving two bakkies and a minibus taxi occurred on 31 December 2025.
"Paramedics arrived on scene to find chaos and carnage as they found that two bakkies and a taxi had collided leaving multiple fatalities and casualties. Immediately a triage was set up by EMS Eastern Cape," he said at the time
Jamieson said ambulances and rescue services worked to free the entrapped casualties before transporting critically injured patients to nearby hospitals.
"Unfortunately, seven people, six women and one man died due to their injuries sustained."
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