The family of a 21-year-old man who was among nine people killed a day before Christmas Day in a road crash in Mokopane, Limpopo say they are still struggling to understand how a routine trip to earn a living selling wild fruit ended in tragedy.

Ditebogo Robert Ramokgonami, from Mamatlakala village outside Mokopane, died when a white Suzuki mini-truck crashed near Mogalakwena Bridge between Tinmyne and Masodi village on the R518 road at about 9.30 am on December 24.

He was travelling with others to town to sell wild fruit, something the group did regularly, especially during the festive season.

The vehicle, which was travelling from Mokamole towards Mokopane, allegedly collided with a bridge barrier. 

Six people – four men and two women – were declared dead at the scene. 

The death toll later rose to nine after three more victims succumbed to their injuries.

Five adults and two children were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Speaking to IOL News days after the crash, family spokesperson and grandfather Tebogo Ramokgonami said the family remained in shock.

“We are still trying to understand what exactly happened on that day,” he said. 

“They were very excited, like any other day, because they were going to town to sell fruit to make a living. They were not working, so this is what kept them busy.”

He said the sale of wild fruit, englerophytum magalismontanum – commonly known as the Transvaal milkplum, was a seasonal way for many young people in the village to earn an income.

“Every festive season they go to the mountains to fetch fruit and sell it in town,” he said. 

“They come from poor family backgrounds and were trying to fend for themselves.”

On a good day, he said, the group could earn between R400 and R500 from selling.

“With that money, they could buy what they needed,” Ramokgonami said. 

“We saw it as a good thing. It was better than doing nothing or stealing from others.”

The loss has been devastating for the family.

“We were expecting a lot from him,” he said.

“He was still young. We hoped he would grow and one day have his own family. Even though he did not finish school, he was driven to support himself through honest work and create a better life.”

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that a woman died on arrival at hospital, while an 11-month-old infant who had been transferred to Mankweng Hospital later died from injuries on Tuesday, December 30.

“One male victim was released from hospital with minor injuries,” Ledwaba said. 

“The driver and three other victims – a child, a female and a male – are still admitted to hospital.”

Police are investigating cases of culpable homicide, he said.

Five of the nine victims were laid to rest in a mass funeral on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Local residents and Mogalakwena Local Municipality mayor Ngoako Tauaetsoala attended the funerals to support the grieving families.

Meanwhile, Ditebogo was buried earlier, on January 1.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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