A Volkswagen Polo crashed into a roadside barrier on the R612 near Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal, killing five people and injuring another.The incident occurred around 9:10pm on Saturday night, with three women and two men among the fatalities.The Department of Transport classified the crash as 'very serious' due to the high death toll.Investigators from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) have handed the case to SAPS's accident unit for further analysis.

This tragedy follows a string of fatal VW Polo-related accidents in the province, including a fire incident in Newcastle and a head-on collision involving the Msomi family.

The department emphasized the risks during winter holidays and highlighted the impact on young South Africans, citing data showing most fatalities occur between 5pm and 9pm on weekends.National statistics from June 2021-2024 show fluctuating road fatality rates, prompting renewed road safety campaigns.