By Staff Reporter
ACORNHOEK – A mass funeral will be held on Sunday, 20 April 2025, at Dynamos Sports Ground in Tsakani Village, Ward 17, for the victims of the tragic crash that occurred on 8 February along the R40 road in Hoedspruit.
The devastating head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bakkie claimed thirteen lives, with ten of the deceased being residents of Acornhoek under the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
Most of the minibus victims were burnt beyond recognition after the vehicle caught fire on impact. One person from the bakkie later died in hospital.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu is expected to deliver the keynote address at the funeral, joined by provincial leaders including MECs Jackie Macie and Thulasizwe Thomo, and local executive mayors.
The Provincial Government confirmed that DNA identification has been completed for eight of the ten taxi victims, allowing families to proceed with burials. DNA results for the remaining two are still pending.
The eight victims to be laid to rest are:
- Yvonne Mashego (29)
- Cornelia Sekome (50)
- Misis Kgatlego Makine (12)
- Gift Kamogelo Mathebula (46)
- Lindisi Vivian Mathebula (43)
- Shadrack Monkie Makine (55)
- Mercy Julia Dilebo (53)
- Loveness Nukeri (21)
Premier Ndlovu extended heartfelt condolences, calling the tragedy “unimaginable” and thanking all stakeholders who provided support. The Bushbuckridge community is expected to attend in large numbers to honour the victims.
