By Mapaballo Borotho

- Five men were killed and four others critically injured in a head-on collision between a light motor vehicle and an SUV on the P97 road between Perdekop and Amersfoort.
- Authorities say the cause of the crash is under investigation, although reckless and negligent driving have not been ruled out.
- Mpumalanga MEC Jackie Macie has urged motorists to drive responsibly, warning that the province’s roads have become “killing fields” due to dangerous driving.
At least five people lost their lives in a horrific head-on collision in Mpumalanga on Thursday evening, 25 June 2026.
The crash occurred on the P97 road between Perdekop and Amersfoort when a light motor vehicle and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) collided.
The deceased, all of whom were men, included the drivers and passengers of both vehicles.
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said four other people sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“The cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out,” said Mmusi.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has called on motorists to use the roads responsibly to prevent the needless loss of life caused by these deadly collisions.
Macie described the province’s roads as “killing fields”, saying reckless driving continues to claim far too many lives.
“Our roads have become killing fields, largely due to human behaviour. We are appealing to all road users to respond positively to government’s road safety messages in order to save lives.
“We should also strengthen efforts to punish reckless driving behaviour to give greater effect to our road safety campaigns,” said Macie.
The MEC also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
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