Upington Mother Fights For Her Life After Fatal Crash Claims Husband’s Life Near Olifantshoek

Thabo Molefe Published 4 days ago

5 min read

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A 31-year-old mother of three from Upington remains in a critical condition in hospital after a serious collision near Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape claimed the life of her husband.

SUNICA MÜLLER BACKABUDDY LINK

Sunica Müller was travelling with her husband, Lehan Müller, 33, when their vehicle was involved in a collision with an oncoming truck on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. The crash reportedly occurred at approximately 18:00, about five kilometres outside Olifantshoek.

Lehan died at the scene, while Sunica sustained multiple serious injuries and was left fighting for her life.

The family has since launched a fundraising campaign to assist with the substantial medical expenses associated with Sunica’s treatment, as well as other costs arising from the tragedy.

Sunica Müller Sustains Serious Injuries

Following the collision, Sunica was initially taken to a hospital in Kathu, where medical personnel worked to stabilise her condition.

Due to the severity of her injuries, she was transferred by air ambulance to a private hospital in Kimberley on Wednesday, 7 October.

According to information shared by her family, Sunica suffered a serious head injury that resulted in bleeding and swelling on the brain. She also sustained a broken collarbone, a fractured shoulder blade, four fractured vertebrae and three broken ribs. One of the broken ribs reportedly punctured a lung.

Her condition subsequently required emergency surgery to relieve bleeding and pressure on her brain. The operation took place late on Wednesday night, 7 October, and her family was informed the following morning that it had been successful.

However, the seriousness of her injuries meant that her recovery remained uncertain.

In an update published on 13 October, the family reported that Sunica was still being kept under sedation while doctors monitored her condition and assessed the extent of the damage caused by the injuries.

A brain scan performed on Monday, 12 October, reportedly showed areas of concern associated with strokes she had suffered. The full extent of the damage could only be assessed once she was sufficiently awake for further evaluation.

The family also reported encouraging signs, including Sunica responding to people around her and squeezing her sisters’ hands. Her vital signs were described as stable in the latest available update.

Despite these developments, she continued to require close medical supervision.

Three Young Children Left Without Their Father

Sunica and Lehan were parents to three young children, aged seven, four and three at the time of the latest reporting.

The children were not travelling in the vehicle when the collision occurred. They were staying with family members at the time of the crash.

The couple had reportedly been together for approximately 13 years and married for eight years. They had moved to Upington from George about two months before the accident.

Lehan’s death has left the family facing the loss of a husband and father while Sunica continues to undergo treatment for her injuries.

The children were informed of their father’s death with support from family members and a minister. According to accounts shared by their family, the children responded differently as they tried to understand what had happened.

Fundraising Campaign Launched To Help Cover Medical Costs

A fundraising campaign titled “Carried by Grace: Help Sunica Heal” was established to help the family manage the financial consequences of the accident.

The campaign aims to raise R1.5 million to assist with Sunica’s ongoing treatment and recovery.

According to the campaign information, the funds are intended to help cover immediate hospital bills, specialist medical treatment, possible operations, continued care and accommodation-related expenses for family members who need to remain close to her.

The family has also indicated that the couple did not have medical aid cover, leaving them exposed to substantial medical expenses following the collision.

Earlier reports stated that hundreds of thousands of rand had already been spent on emergency transport, hospital treatment and related costs.

The financial pressure comes at a particularly difficult time, with the family also having to make arrangements following Lehan’s death and consider the needs of the couple’s three young children.

Members of the public who wish to assist can find the fundraising campaign under the name “Carried by Grace: Help Sunica Heal” on BackaBuddy.

Lehan Müller Remembered Following His Death

Lehan’s death has prompted tributes from people who knew him during his school years and sporting career.

He attended Hoërskool Noord-Kaap in Kimberley and was remembered as a talented sportsman who participated in rugby and cricket. Accounts shared by former schoolmates and acquaintances described him as a skilled player, a leader on the field and someone known for his personality.

His death has left his loved ones dealing with the loss while continuing to hope for Sunica’s recovery.

According to a report published on 13 October, Lehan’s memorial service was scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, at 11:00 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Delportshoop.

The family has asked for support and consideration as they navigate the difficult period, with Sunica’s medical recovery and the well-being of the children remaining central concerns.

The circumstances surrounding the collision have also prompted speculation, but the family has indicated that its immediate focus is on Sunica, the children and the challenges ahead.

Sunica remains in need of specialised medical care, and the fundraising campaign continues to seek financial assistance to help cover the costs of her treatment and recovery.