Nine dead, 27 hurt in road accident

THE SAPS in Zebediela, outside Mokopane, are investigating a case of culpable homicide after nine people died and 27 others were seriously injured, in a multi-vehicle accident, about 8.30pm on Saturday night, on the R579 near Rafiri village, Limpopo police said.

It is alleged that a Nissan bakkie was overtaking another motor vehicle when it collided head-on with a Toyota Quantum. Subsequently, another Toyota Quantum and a Mercedes Benz sedan were also involved, Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said yesterday .

“During this collision, seven people died instantly; two were certified dead on arrival at the hospital, bringing the total number of people who perished to nine, and 27 sustained serious injuries and they were taken to different hospitals for medical treatment.”

Police investigations were under way, Ngoepe said.