Twelve church members who died in a multi vehicle coalition have been identified by their relatives. Picture credit: Limpopo Transport Department.
By Montsho Matlala
Polokwane – Twelve members of the International Assemblies of God (IAG) who died in a crash at Ga-Sekgopo on Saturday have been identified by their relatives at Pietersburg Hospital.
The victims, from Tiyane-Makoro Church under Pastor Mathelemusa in Venda, were returning from a conference in Solomondale when their minibus collided with two trucks and a van.
IAG general president Dr. G.S. Lebelo conveyed condolences to the families and the wider church community.
Limpopo premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba also met the bereaved families and urged the public to stop sharing accident images on social media, saying relatives should be informed with dignity.
Pictures of the mangled minibus trapped between two trucks circulated widely online after the crash. Ramathuba said families were given counselling before identifying the bodies to reduce the shock of seeing such images.
Preparations for the memorial and funeral services are being coordinated by families, IAG, the Collins Chabane Municipality, and provincial officials.
