By: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: EMPD
A young girl and a driver never made it home after a drunk driver turned a road into a crime scene in Tembisa. As confirmed by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, alcohol and negligence continue to steal futures and shatter families. Photo Credit: EMPD.
TEMBISA, GAUTENG — A devastating head-on collision in Tembisa has claimed the lives of two people, including a young child, in what authorities have described as a preventable tragedy linked to drunk driving.
The incident occurred on Friday, 20 March 2026, at the intersection of Olifantsfontein Road and South View, within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Clayville Precinct.
According to preliminary reports, a 30-year-old male driver operating an Audi was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he collided head-on with a Toyota Avanza. The impact proved fatal for the Avanza’s driver and a young girl believed to be between 10 and 11 years old. Both victims were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
A 16-year-old female passenger from the Avanza sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Tembisa Tertiary Hospital, where she is currently receiving urgent medical care.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the Audi driver underwent a breathalyser test at the scene, which returned a reading of 0.64—well above the legal alcohol limit. He was subsequently arrested and is expected to face multiple charges, including driving under the influence, reckless and negligent driving, culpable homicide, and fleeing the scene of an accident.
The EMPD has strongly condemned the incident, reiterating the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise responsibility, especially on busy roads such as Olifantsfontein, which serves as a key transport route in the region.
“This tragic loss of life underscores the dangers of irresponsible driving. Alcohol and the road are a deadly combination,” an EMPD spokesperson stated.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
As investigations continue, officials have called on the public to report reckless driving and to prioritize road safety at all times.
#EMPD #NorthernRegion #CrimePrevention #RoadSafety #Tembisa
