16/11/2025
ACCIDENT VICTIMS REVEAL HORROR
PREMIER LETSOHA-MATHAE AND MEC MBALULA VISIT SURVIVORS IN HOSPITAL
Polelo Mahloane will have his leg amputated following a horror accident which took place on the N8 road between Botshabelo and Bloemfontein in the morning of Saturday, 15 November 2025.
Mahloane was one of the lucky passengers who survived the accident which claimed 11 lives. He was travelling to work in Bloemfontein when the accident happened. The bus that Mahloane and other victims were travelling on, and a truck were involved in an accident, resulting in 11 people losing their lives and dozens sustaining injuries.
Speaking from his hospital bed at Pelonomi hospital on Saturday night, Mahloane told Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula that he had the front row view of the carnage and saw everything unfold before his eyes.
βI was sitting on the front seat and saw everything. As we approached the truck, I was wondering if the driver was able to see it. By the time I yelled out to her to be careful, it was too late. I tried to run to the back, but the impact was severe and the pain excruciating,β Mahloane said.
His injuries were so severe that he will now lose his leg. To his credit, Mahloane was upbeat despite the terrible news. βIt could have been worse. I saw some of the passengers lying on the ground dead, and I was fortunate to have survived. I am thankful that my life was sparred,β he said.
Nozipho Nhlathi, who suffered a broken leg, is happy that she survived the accident. βI saw dead people around me. It was horrible and I am happy that my life was saved,β she said.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae said the accident was one of the worst she has seen in a while. βWe once again call on road users to exercise caution on the roads. I went to the scene with MEC Mbalula in the morning and what I saw was terrible. I also want to thank medical professionals at Pelonomi hospital for taking care of those who sustained