CAPE TOWN - Police have opened a case of culpable homicide as investigations continue into a deadly crash on the N1 that claimed the lives of 21 people.
The collision happened late on Sunday night between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka and involved two minibus taxis and a Suzuki SUV.
The two taxis collided head-on before the SUV crashed into the wreckage.
Among those killed was a child, while six people survived the crash. Four of the survivors are seriously injured.
Early indications are that one of the minibus taxis may have crossed into the path of oncoming traffic.
Authorities are investigating whether the driver was attempting to overtake or whether fatigue may have played a role.
The driver of one of the taxis was among those killed. The status of the other drivers is still being established.
The Western Cape Mobility Department says the investigation will determine exactly what happened.
Wet weather is also being considered as a possible contributing factor, although authorities have not confirmed whether it played a role.
The N1 was reopened to traffic after emergency and traffic officials spent the night at the scene.
Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution, particularly in wet conditions, and to avoid driving when fatigued.