The victims were walking home on Saturday after a soccer match when a speeding car ploughed into them

A LATE afternoon of illegal drag racing went horribly wrong for a driver when his vehicle hit and killed seven people at Tshidzini village outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo.

Seven men, aged between 35 and 40, died instantly. Four other people, including the driver, were injured.

The victims were walking home on Saturday after a soccer match when a speeding car ploughed into them when the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle.

Witnesses told police that a Toyota Yaris and Jetta were drag racing along Mukula-Mhinga Road.

Tshaulu police spokesman Captain Mmbudzeni Tshabuse said they were investigating cases of culpable homicide.

"Six victims have been identified, the seventh victim is still unknown," Tshabuse said.

The injured four were still at Donald Fraser Hospital where they were receiving treatment.

Police said two of the hospitalised were critical.

They also said the names of the deceased would be released once their next-of-kin had been informed.

The incident has sent shock waves through the community and affected families were struggling to come to terms with the deaths of their loved ones.

Police confirmed the drag racing allegations, but said they were still investigating the alleged activity.

Vhembe mayor Florence Dzhombere was yesterday expected to visit the affected families.