PAD VAN DIE DOOD - Bekende Tik-Tokker 'Blitz' Meyer among five mense who died in three separate N7 accidents at the weekend

THREE accidents, five people dead and six mense injured in one weekend.

That is the grim reality of what transpired op die “pad van die dood” between Steinkopf and Okiep, near Springbok, at the weekend.

The accidents on the N7 happened about 30km apart from each other.

The swart naweek began on Friday and lasted until Sunday. 

According to police spokesperson Captain Ivan Magerman, the Nababeep police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following the first accident, which unfolded on 6 February 2026.

Devan Cloete, his two daughters, and his skoonseun were travelling along the N7 near Kliphoog’s turnoff at Bulletrap last Friday, when tragedy struck. 

It is suspected that Cloete lost control of the vehicle, causing the car to overturn and roll several times.

One of his daughters, Ronel Bock (46), was declared dead at the scene. 

His other daughter, Mandy Cloete, sustained serious injuries and had to be rushed to Kimberley - a 805km drive - for treatment at a medical facility.

According to Captain Magerman, another serious accident near Steinkopf was reported on the following day. The police responded quickly and rushed to the scene. 

Upon arrival, they found a stukkende red VW Polo with five occupants in the field.

Magerman reported: “Three male passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and one passenger, sustained serious injuries. They were transported to Springbok for urgent medical treatment.”

It has since emerged that a well-known Tik Tok user from Okiep, Warren “Blitz” Meyer, was one of the victims. 

His passing has caused widespread shock on social media. The other two deceased in the red Polo VW were Athro Simboya and Ronaldo Spence from Pella.

The death toll rose on the following Sunday, when cops were called to a third deadly accident that occurred on the same road. 

Ismael “Dappie” Vries (58) from Steinkopf and his son were driving near Rooiwinkel, when their vehicle left the road and overturned.

According to Magerman, the driver was reportedly trapped under the vehicle and later succumbed to his injuries.

His son sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital in Springbok for medical treatment. 

While local community members have requested bidure at various points on the N7, others have  called for drivers to drive more cautiously.

Meanwhile Brigadier Schalk Andrews, cluster commander in Namakwa, expressed his concern about the many fatal accidents.

He said: “Speed, alcohol, and reckless drivers are currently our biggest problem that will need to be addressed.”