DA calls for urgent road safety action after fatal Nxuba freight crash

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape has called for urgent traffic safety enforcement following a fatal freight truck crash in Nxuba (formerly Cradock) over the weekend.

The call comes after a heavy freight vehicle transporting manganese was involved in a deadly collision on Sunday evening near the Cradock railway bridge.

Driver killed in downhill collision

According to a media statement issued on 16 February 2026 by DA Eastern Cape Midlands Constituency Leader Heinrich Müller MPL, preliminary reports indicate that the truck allegedly lost braking control while travelling downhill.

The vehicle reportedly collided into the rear of another manganese truck before the cab caught fire. The driver was declared dead at the scene.

Authorities have not yet released an official accident report, and investigations into the exact cause of the crash are expected to continue.

Concerns over repeat incidents on the N10

The DA said the crash highlights ongoing safety concerns along the N10 corridor between Nxuba and Middelburg.

In its statement, the party noted similarities between the weekend’s crash and previous fatal incidents that have occurred along the same stretch of road. It referenced a serious collision in December last year at the same location, which resulted in multiple fatalities.

The N10 is a key freight route in the province, frequently used by heavy trucks transporting manganese and other goods.

Weighbridge project raised as enforcement concern

Müller said a major concern remains the delayed completion of the Middelburg weighbridge project.

The facility, once operational, is intended to identify overloaded trucks and improve enforcement of freight regulations on provincial roads. According to the DA, delays in finalising the project have contributed to what it describes as an enforcement gap along the corridor.

The party argues that without the weighbridge fully functional, potentially overloaded or mechanically unfit vehicles may continue operating without adequate monitoring.

Letter sent to Transport MEC

Müller confirmed that he has written to Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha requesting:

• Urgent traffic-calming measures along high-risk sections of the N10 and surrounding routes

• The immediate completion and operationalisation of the Middelburg weighbridge

He stated that improved freight monitoring is essential to prevent further loss of life.

Condolences to family

The DA extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased driver.

“No life should be lost due to preventable failures in road safety enforcement,” the statement read.

Provincial transport authorities have not yet issued a formal public response to the DA’s latest request at the time of publication.