Zimbabwe-Bound Bus Crash On N1 Near Makhado Leaves Several Dead, Road Closed In Both Directions

Several people have reportedly died after a bus travelling from Gauteng to Zimbabwe veered off the N1 and plunged into a ditch near Ingwe Lodge outside Makhado on Thursday morning.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed that the N1-29 has been completely closed in both directions following the crash.

Emergency services remain at the scene as rescue and recovery operations continue. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities or injuries, as the vehicle is still in the ditch, making it difficult to determine how many passengers were on board.

N1 Near Makhado Closed After Deadly Zimbabwe Bus Crash

Officials said the cause of the crash remains unknown and will be investigated. Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye is expected to visit the scene on Thursday morning.

Motorists have been urged to avoid the area while emergency teams work to clear the scene. Traffic has been diverted, and drivers are advised to make use of alternative routes via the R523 Nzhelele Road.

From Makhado (Witvlag), motorists should turn right onto the R523. From Musina, motorists should turn left at Willysport. From Siloam, motorists should turn right onto the R523.

The department said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Long-Distance Bus Safety in South Africa

Although full details of Thursday’s crash are still emerging, the incident has renewed scrutiny over long-distance bus safety on South Africa’s highways.

In October 2025, a DNC bus crash on the N1 near Louis Trichardt left 43 people dead and dozens injured.

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A Department of Transport and Road Traffic Management Corporation investigation found that the vehicle was unroadworthy, overloaded and travelling at unsafe speeds when it veered down a steep embankment.

Thursday’s tragedy now adds to growing concerns about passenger safety on major routes linking Gauteng to neighbouring countries.