Two separate head-on collisions on the N12 highway claimed 12 lives on Saturday in Gauteng and the Northern Cape. Seven people, including a baby, died in the Northern Cape incident, while five perished in Gauteng. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution amid the festive season.
On December 13, 2025, tragedy struck South Africa's roads with two fatal crashes on the N12 highway. In the first incident, earlier that Saturday, a head-on collision between an SUV and a light delivery vehicle on the stretch between Kimberley and Warrenton in the Northern Cape killed seven people, including a baby.
The second crash occurred in Fochville, Gauteng, where two vehicles collided head-on, resulting in five deaths. Three victims died at the scene, and two others succumbed later in hospital.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is investigating both accidents, in which a total of 12 people lost their lives. "The exact cause of these crashes are still unknown at this stage," stated RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane. He emphasized the need for drivers to show extreme caution, reduce speed, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
These incidents highlight ongoing road safety concerns during the festive season, with authorities continuing to promote safer driving practices to prevent further losses.
