Thaba Fire and Rescue

12/10/2026

Two crashes, eight injured on Thabazimbi roads

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – Eight people were injured in two separate crashes in and around Thabazimbi on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026, with one vehicle catching fire and local farmers stepping in to help prevent the flames from spreading.

Thaba Fire & Rescue received a call at approximately 19:30 on Friday about a crash at the Makoppa junction on the Dwaalboom road, roughly 20 km outside Thabazimbi. The exact cause remains unknown, although it is suspected that the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire after the impact, and swift action by members of the Makoppa and Matlabas farming communities helped prevent the fire from spreading to the surrounding veld. Of the four occupants, two sustained minor injuries, one sustained moderate injuries, and one was seriously injured.

The following afternoon, shortly after 17:30, two vehicles collided head-on at the four-way intersection of Hamerkop and Krombek streets in Thabazimbi. All four occupants sustained minor injuries.

Thaba Fire & Rescue, Thabazimbi EMS, the Thabazimbi Traffic Department, Thabazimbi SAPS and P&K Towing and Recovery responded to both incidents, with local farmers also assisting at Friday’s scene.

Photo 1: One of the two vehicles involved in Saturday’s head-on collision at the intersection of Hamerkop and Krombek streets in Thabazimbi.

Photo 2: Smoke rises from the burnt-out vehicle following Friday evening’s crash at the Makoppa junction on the Dwaalboom road.


Extracted from Platinum Bushvelder newspaper – October 2026 Issue 2

02/10/2026

Four days, six crashes, three lives lost

A devastating series of road accidents leaves families grieving and emergency crews confronting collision after collision

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – Three people lost their lives and numerous others sustained moderate to serious injuries in six road accidents reported in and around Thabazimbi, extending as far as Koedoeskop, between 23 and 26 September 2026.
Over just four days, emergency services responded to head-on collisions, vehicle fires, a fatal pedestrian accident and an overturned trailer. Families and motorists were left facing the devastating aftermath, while emergency crews repeatedly confronted serious injuries and loss of life.
For those responding to the calls, it was an exceptionally demanding and distressing period. Behind every damaged vehicle was a family whose journey had been abruptly interrupted – and, for three families, a loved one who would never return home.

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Six injured in Spitskop
head-on collision

The first accident occurred at approximately 17:56 on 23 September 2026, when two vehicles collided head-on in Spitskop. Both vehicles were written off due to the severity of the impact. Six patients from the two vehicles sustained moderate to serious injuries. Fortunately, no critical injuries were reported.
Thaba Fire and Rescue, Spitskop Rural Safety (SRS), TLM Waterberg District Fire and Rescue, Thabazimbi Police Department, Thabazimbi Traffic Department, Trauma Rescue Emergency Ambulance Service, Thabazimbi State Ambulance, IGAGU Emergency Ambulance Service and P&K Towing and Recovery responded to the scene. The scene was cleared at approximately 19:45.

Photo 1: The two badly damaged vehicles following the head-on collision in Spitskop on 23 September 2026.

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Collision beneath the railway bridge

Just over two hours after the first collision, at approximately 20:18 on 23 September 2026, emergency services were called to another accident in Thabazimbi. Two vehicles collided beneath the railway bridge on Warmbad Weg Road, between MBT and the mall. Both vehicles were written off due to the severity of the impact, although fortunately no serious injuries were reported.

Thaba Fire and Rescue, TLM Waterberg District Fire and Rescue, Thabazimbi Police Department, Thabazimbi Traffic Department, Thabazimbi State Ambulance and P&K Towing and Recovery responded. The scene was cleared at approximately 21:00.

Photo 2: One of the vehicles involved in the collision beneath the railway bridge on Warmbad Weg Road was loaded onto a low-bed recovery truck.

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Ten-year-old girl dies in R511 accident

A 10-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a single-vehicle accident on the R511 Koedoeskop–Brits Road on 25 September 2026. Emergency services responded at approximately 20:03 after the driver lost control of the vehicle. The girl’s mother sustained a serious back injury, while the other three passengers suffered injuries of varying severity.

Trauma Rescue Emergency Ambulance Service, TLM Waterberg District Fire and Rescue, Thabazimbi Police Department, Thabazimbi Traffic Department, Limpopo Provincial Traffic Department, Thabazimbi State Ambulance, P&K Towing and Recovery, Northam Plats Fire Team and Limpopo Forensic Services responded to the scene.

Emergency personnel remained on site while recovery operations and the necessary procedures were completed. The scene was cleared at approximately 01:14.
Platinum Bushvelder extends its sincerest condolences to the young girl’s family, friends and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. Our thoughts are also with her mother and the other injured passengers as they recover.

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Driver dies in fiery R510
head-on collision

While responding to the R511 accident on 25 September 2026, emergency services came across another major collision on the R510 near the Crocodile Bridge, shortly before the R511 turn-off. The accident occurred at approximately 20:12 and involved a Nissan Qashqai and a Toyota Etios, which collided head-on.

The Toyota Etios caught fire immediately after the collision. P&K Towing and Recovery managed to separate the two vehicles before the Nissan Qashqai also caught fire. The Nissan Qashqai was carrying five people – three adults and two children. All five were transported by ambulance to hospital for medical treatment.

The Toyota Etios had only one occupant, its driver, who became trapped inside as the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Tragically, he was unable to escape and died in the fire. Thaba Fire and Rescue worked to contain and extinguish the blaze. However, the flames had already become intense by the time emergency crews reached the vehicle.

Thaba Fire and Rescue, Wildmed Emergency Services, Northam Plats Fire Team, Thabazimbi Police Department, Thabazimbi Traffic Department, Limpopo Provincial Traffic Department, Thabazimbi State Ambulance, TLM Waterberg District Fire and Rescue and Limpopo Forensic Services responded to the scene. The scene was cleared at approximately 01:54.

Platinum Bushvelder extends its sincerest condolences to the deceased driver’s family, friends and loved ones. We also wish the injured occupants of the Nissan Qashqai strength and healing.

Photo 3: The Toyota Etios engulfed in flames following the head-on collision on the R510 near the Crocodile Bridge on 25 September 2026.

Photo 4: The damaged Nissan Qashqai following the R510 collision. Its five occupants — three adults and two children — were transported to hospital.

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Pedestrian killed opposite Thaba Trans

In the early hours of Saturday 26 September 2026, emergency services responded to a fatal pedestrian accident on the R510, on the road into Thabazimbi from Lephalale.

At approximately 02:01, a flatbed truck travelling towards Thabazimbi struck two pedestrians opposite Thaba Trans. One of the pedestrians tragically succumbed to his injuries almost immediately at the scene. The second sustained moderate injuries and was transported to hospital for further medical treatment.

The deceased was well known in Regorogile, and news of his sudden passing sent shockwaves through the community that knew him.

Thaba Fire and Rescue, Thabazimbi Police Department, Thabazimbi Traffic Department, Just Local Towing, P&K Towing and Recovery, Thabazimbi State Ambulance, Bela-Bela Pathology and Limpopo Forensic Services responded to the scene. The scene was cleared at approximately 07:13.

Platinum Bushvelder extends its sincerest condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and the Regorogile community mourning his loss. We wish the injured pedestrian a steady recovery.

Photo 5: The flatbed truck involved in the collision with two pedestrians opposite Thaba Trans on the R510.

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Family’s move disrupted as furniture trailer overturns

The final accident reported during the four-day period occurred at approximately 19:54 on Saturday 26 September 2026, on the R510 near Ben Alberts. The incident involved a vehicle towing a trailer loaded with furniture belonging to a family who were moving to Fochville. It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing the trailer to overturn.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Some of the furniture was damaged, but the family managed to salvage the undamaged belongings and returned to the flat where they had been living. Thaba Fire and Rescue and P&K Towing and Recovery attended the scene. The incident was cleared at approximately 22:03.

Photo 6: Furniture scattered after a trailer overturned on the R510 near Ben Alberts, disrupting a family’s move to Fochville. No injuries were reported.

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Extracted from Platinum Bushvelder newspaper – October 2026 Issue 1

Platinum Bushvelder

26/09/2026

When the wind fed the flames, neighbours joined the fight

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – A veld fire broke out near Roodedam West along the R510 between Thabazimbi and Northam on Thursday afternoon, 17 September 2026. Strong winds reportedly caused Eskom power lines to short circuit, igniting the dry grass. The cause has not been independently confirmed.

Thaba Fire & Rescue received the call at about 18:00. By the time its crew arrived, the fire had spread across a sizeable area. Thaba Fire & Rescue, the Northam Platinum and Amandelbult fire teams, and local farmers worked together to contain it.

At around 00:30, the flames moved towards the rocky hills, where difficult terrain limited access. The teams monitored the fire and worked to prevent it from spreading. At sunrise on Friday, the Northam Platinum and Amandelbult crews returned with vehicles able to reach the rougher terrain.

No injuries or property damage were reported. Roodedam resident Kobus Muller thanked every crew member and farmer who gave their time and equipment to protect the community.

Photo: Flames spread through dry veld near Roodedam West during the fire on 17 September.


Extracted from Platinum Bushvelder newspaper – September 2026 Issue 4

26/09/2026

Power tools for a powerful purpose
Wes Enterprises strengthens Thaba Fire and Rescue’s emergency response

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – Thaba Fire and Rescue received a valuable equipment sponsorship from STIHL–Wes Voere on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The donation included a chainsaw and blower, which will help the emergency team work faster and more efficiently when responding to incidents in and around Thabazimbi.

“The equipment will help us tremendously and make the work we do just that little bit easier,” said Thaba Fire and Rescue CEO Pierre Loots.

As a non-profit organisation, Thaba Fire and Rescue relies heavily on sponsorships and community contributions to continue providing its vital emergency services. Reliable equipment is essential for a team that must remain ready to respond whenever disaster strikes.

Thaba Fire and Rescue expressed its sincere appreciation to STIHL–Wes Voere for the generous sponsorship, as well as to every business and community member who continues to support the organisation. Every contribution, big or small, strengthens the team’s ability to protect and assist the community when it matters most.


Extracted from Platinum Bushvelder newspaper – September 2026 Issue 3

25/09/2026

🚨 FATAL ACCIDENT– R510 🚨

Thaba Fire & Rescue is currently attending to a fatal motor vehicle accident on the R510, just before the Brits/Thabazimbi turn-off.

🔥 Vehicle involved in fire

Motorists are urged to approach the scene with extreme caution and expect possible delays.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

🚒 THABA FIRE & RESCUE
Serving our community when every second counts.

10/09/2026

Several fires follow lightning storm

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – A sudden afternoon storm, fierce winds and tinder-dry grass combined to spark a series of dangerous veld fires around Thabazimbi and Marakele National Park on Friday 4 September 2026. Thaba Fire & Rescue received the first call at approximately 15:00, reporting a veld fire that had started at Kwaggasvlakte. Driven by strong winds through tall, dry grass, the flames spread rapidly towards the R510 (the Lephalale road). When the wind changed direction, the fire began moving towards Marakele and the surrounding mountains, where another large veld fire was already burning on Aasvoëlkop.

Eight fires sparked inside Marakele
According to Marakele National Park manager Koketso Kotsoe, lightning strikes during Friday afternoon’s storm are believed to have ignited approximately eight separate fires inside the park.

Once teams had established that the park’s animals were safe, their priority shifted to protecting infrastructure and properties bordering the park. Kotsoe confirmed that no large animals were killed in the fires. Strong winds caused fires burning inside and outside the park to move closer together, making the situation extremely difficult to control. Thaba Fire & Rescue, the Waterberg District Fire Team, SANParks personnel and local farmers joined forces to contain the flames and prevent further destruction.
Although rain later helped reduce the intensity of some of the fires, it did not extinguish them all. The fire on Aasvoëlkop remained under constant observation, with teams ready to intervene if necessary. There are no firebreaks on the mountain itself, but several firebreaks within Marakele National Park help slow and contain fires under such conditions.

Red glow lights up the night
By sunset, the scale of the blaze was clearly visible, with an ominous red glow illuminating the mountain against the night sky. After hours of exhausting firefighting, the teams were finally able to return home at approximately 23:30, once the situation had been brought under control. Their rest, however, was short-lived. Shortly after 02:00 on Saturday morning, another emergency call was received. Lightning had reportedly struck two palm trees in Mahem Street in Thabazimbi, setting them alight. Firefighters responded swiftly and had the situation under control by approximately 03:30.


Extracted from Platinum Bushvelder newspaper – September 2026 Issue 2

02/09/2026

TFR’s got new wheels!

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – The success of this year’s Thabazimbi Vuurfees has translated into valuable new equipment for Thaba Fire and Rescue, helping the emergency team reach people faster when every minute counts.

Thanks to the generous support of the Thabazimbi community, funds raised during the Vuurfees enabled the team to purchase a four-wheel motorcycle. The vehicle will allow responders to reach critical areas quickly, particularly in difficult or inaccessible terrain where conventional emergency vehicles cannot travel. The team was also able to purchase a gazebo that will serve as an Incident Command Post (ICP) during larger incidents and emergencies, providing a central point from which response efforts can be coordinated.

Pierre Loots of Thaba Fire and Rescue said the organisation is extremely grateful for the continued support it receives from residents, businesses and organisations. “We are incredibly thankful for the way our community supports every project we undertake,” Loots said. “Their support allows us to keep growing and improving – not only by investing in better equipment, but also by strengthening our knowledge and skills.”

He added that team members regularly undergo courses and training to ensure they are prepared to provide the necessary assistance in a wide range of emergencies.

Photo: READY FOR ROUGH TERRAIN | The new four-wheel motorcycle purchased with funds raised through the successful Vuurfees will help Thaba Fire and Rescue reach critical areas that are inaccessible to conventional emergency vehicles.


Extracted from Platinum Bushvelder newspaper – August 2026 Issue 3

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

Troosdiens vir Chris Loots
Ons Gaan jou so baie mis 🕊️🕊️