Polokwane, Limpopo – February 18, 2026 – A devastating two-vehicle crash has led to the complete closure of the N1 highway at the Capricorn Toll Plaza in Limpopo, halting traffic in both directions and causing significant disruptions for commuters and freight transporters alike. Emergency services, medical personnel, and officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) are actively on the scene, attending to the aftermath of what authorities have described as a horrific incident.
The collision occurred earlier today on this critical stretch of the N1, a major national route that serves as the backbone for transportation in northern South Africa. Details on the exact cause of the crash remain under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest high speeds or adverse road conditions may have played a role. No confirmed information on casualties has been released at this time, though witnesses reported seeing extensive vehicle damage at the site. The Capricorn Toll Plaza, located approximately 50 kilometers north of Polokwane, is a key checkpoint on the highway, managed by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) as part of the N1’s tolled network.
The N1 highway, often referred to as the Great North Road, is one of South Africa’s busiest arterial routes, stretching over 1,900 kilometers from Cape Town in the south to the Beit Bridge border post with Zimbabwe in the north. In Limpopo province, it traverses diverse terrain, from the flat savannas around Polokwane to the rugged foothills of the Soutpansberg Mountains near Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt). This particular section near the Capricorn Toll Plaza handles an average daily traffic volume of over 20,000 vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks carrying goods from mining operations in the Bushveld Complex and agricultural produce from Limpopo’s fertile farmlands. The province itself is known for its rich mineral resources, such as platinum and chrome, and its subtropical climate, which supports crops like citrus, avocados, and macadamia nuts. However, the highway’s high usage also makes it prone to accidents, with SANRAL reporting over 500 incidents in Limpopo alone in the past year, often exacerbated by factors like driver fatigue, overloading, and occasional heavy rainfall that can lead to slippery conditions.
The closure has forced authorities to redirect traffic onto alternative routes to minimize delays. For drivers heading south from Makhado toward Polokwane, the recommended detour is to turn left onto the R36 at Morebeng (formerly Soekmekaar), a small rural settlement known for its historical railway links and surrounding maize farms, before joining the R81 to reach Polokwane. Conversely, those traveling north from Polokwane should take the R81 from the Mall of the North – a prominent shopping center in the provincial capital that serves as a landmark for local navigation – and proceed through Ga-Dikgale, a village area with strong cultural ties to the Northern Sotho people, before connecting to the R36 at Morebeng and rejoining the N1 beyond the toll plaza.
These detour options, while viable, add approximately 30-45 minutes to journey times and involve secondary roads that may not accommodate heavy vehicles as efficiently as the N1’s dual carriageway. The R81 and R36 are provincial roads maintained by the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, and they wind through communities where livestock crossings and pedestrian activity are common, necessitating extra caution from motorists.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo urged drivers to remain patient and adhere to traffic directives. “We are working diligently to clear the scene and restore normal flow, but safety is our top priority,” he stated. The incident comes amid heightened road safety awareness in Limpopo, following recent operations at the Capricorn Toll Gate aimed at enforcing speed limits, seatbelt usage, and vehicle compliance, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the province’s road fatality rate, which stood at over 1,200 deaths in 2025 according to national statistics.
Motorists are advised to stay updated via local radio stations, SANRAL’s traffic app, or official social media channels for real-time developments. The N1’s closure underscores the vulnerabilities of South Africa’s road infrastructure in remote provinces like Limpopo, where economic growth relies heavily on efficient transport links. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with a full report expected from authorities in the coming days. Travelers planning routes through the area should consider delaying non-essential trips until the highway reopens.
Family Brings Deceased Relative to Capitec Stanger Branch in Dispute Over Insurance Claim
Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal – February 18, 2026
A routine visit to Capitec Bank’s Stanger branch escalated into an extraordinary disruption this morning when a family, seeking to process a life insurance or funeral policy claim, reportedly arrived with the body of their deceased relative as proof of death.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the incident unfolded around 11:20 AM in the bustling Stanger Central Business District (CBD). The family had initially approached the bank to access funds related to the policy but were informed by staff that additional documentation, specifically proof of the death, was required to proceed with the claim.
In response, the family allegedly returned to the branch shortly afterward, carrying the body inside the premises. This action prompted immediate panic among customers and employees present at the time. Reports confirm that individuals evacuated the building rapidly, leading to the branch’s abrupt closure.
Local authorities, including police, were quickly summoned to the scene. The surrounding streets in the Stanger CBD were cordoned off temporarily, halting normal business activities and creating a standstill in the area. Emergency services and health officials are now involved in managing the situation, with the site marked by police vehicles and flashing lights.
Shocked bystanders and shoppers in the vicinity described the atmosphere as tense, with many opting to leave the area entirely. Authorities have advised residents to steer clear of the Capitec Stanger branch and adjacent roads while the matter is resolved.
The event has sparked discussions among locals about the clarity of banking procedures for such claims. Some residents noted the irony, with one commenting that the bank requested proof without detailing the acceptable forms.
This remains an active and developing situation, with further updates anticipated as officials continue their investigation and the branch assesses when it can reopen. No additional details on the family’s identity or the deceased have been released at this time.
Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle at Tzaneen Police Station
TZANEEN, Limpopo – A pedestrian was struck by a white sedan at the South African Police Service station in the Tzaneen central business district on February 18, 2026.
The incident occurred in the morning hours, prompting local traffic authorities to issue a caution to drivers approaching the area.
Details on the pedestrian’s condition or the circumstances leading to the collision remain unavailable at this time.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has been involved in disseminating information about the event.
