A devastating car accident on the N1 near Ysterberg, Mokopane, has claimed the lives of five members of a Limpopo family, leaving behind a community in mourning and raising questions about road safety.
The victims include Dawie Snyder, 39, who had recently returned from the United States after working as a temporary agricultural worker, and his sister, Minette van Wyk, 33, along with her three children: Joanette Claassen, 10; JH Snyder, 13; and stepson Christiaan van Wyk, 10.
The accident occurred on Friday, 8 November, when the family's white Volvo sedan overturned on the N1 between Polokwane and Mokopane, colliding with several trees. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, a burst tyre is suspected. Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, confirmed the incident, stating, "The exact cause of the crash is still unknown as investigations continue. Tragically, the driver and four immediate family members lost their lives at the scene."
However, Celeb Gossip News has since learnt that one of the vehicle's tyres burst, resulting in the fatal accident.
The tragedy is compounded by the circumstances surrounding Dawie Snyder's return to South Africa. He had travelled from the US to reunite with his daughter and build a better future for her. This reunion was tragically cut short, leaving the child without a father. Family friend Jaenette van Niekerk described the loss as "huge," saying, "No one is coping. Dawie returned from the US to provide a better future for his daughter," highlighting the devastating impact on the family.
Minette van Wyk, Dawie's sister, was also looking forward to the reunion. Van Niekerk shared that Minette, who owned a recruitment agency specialising in US temporary work visas, had recently celebrated her birthday and was overjoyed at the prospect of spending time with her brother. "Minette loved her kids with everything and would have done anything to protect them," Van Niekerk said, expressing her heartbreak over the horrific nature of the accident. "It breaks my heart that they died so horribly," she added, reflecting the community's shared grief.
The accident's aftermath was witnessed by Minette's husband, Flippie van Wyk, who was travelling separately. He described the scene as something that will "stay with us forever," underscoring the lasting trauma experienced by those who witnessed the tragedy. The emotional toll extends beyond the immediate family.
Bianca Meyer, a close friend of Minette and next of kin to the deceased, spoke of the devastating impact, saying: "It’s devastating to lose five family members in less than one hour. I took them as my own family. Minnette was my close friend and we’d check up on each other daily. Prior to the accident, we were texting on WhatsApp. I even sent her a voice note but she never responded. I'm struggling to come to terms with their death.”
MEC Mathye offered condolences to the bereaved, stating, "On behalf of myself, the department, and the people of Limpopo, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and next of kin of the deceased. We pray that the Almighty will be with them during this difficult time. We also ask motorists to always obey the rules of the road to avoid tragedies."
