Community mourns loss of six family members in devastating collision

An accident on the N2 highway in the Inkosi Umtubatuba Local Municipality has left the community in the northern coastal belt of KwaZulu-Natal in mourning, following the tragic loss of six family members in a collision on Friday evening.

The family vehicle, a Corsa, collided with a truck.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying it had had a devastating emotional impact on the Mnyango family.

“We have no words to describe the pain that the Mnyango family is going through following the death of six family members,” Duma said.

"The heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of three generations from the same family. One of the victims, a young girl, succumbed to her injuries the following day.

“We were nursing the hope that the brave girl, who sustained serious injuries, would survive. Sadly, she has departed. We bow our heads and invite God to receive the following souls,” Duma said.

The victims were identified as 85-year-old Mama Nokuphakama Mnyango (MaMdletshe), Mama Makhosi kaMnyango Mthembu (52), Mvuyani Gcaleka (43), Senamile Buthelezi (29), Banzi Buthelezi (6), and Ayanda Pearl Mthembu (age not yet specified).

In a bid to support the grieving family, Duma announced that a team of officials and religious leaders from the department would visit the family in Ward 11 to discuss funeral arrangements and offer comfort during this painful period. He also acknowledged local councillor Prosper Gumbi for his close involvement with the family.

Meanwhile, the grim reality of road safety in KwaZulu-Natal continues to surface, with recent fatal crashes highlighting the consequences of non-compliance with traffic laws.

Last week, 11 people lost their lives in a collision between a truck and a minibus taxi near Isipingo in Durban. Investigations into these recurring tragedies have brought to light issues such as overloading and worn-out tyres, which place drivers and passengers at avoidable risk.

In response, the department has intensified its Nenzani La Ezweni operations, focusing on curbing drinking and driving while encouraging strict adherence to traffic laws over weekends.

Recent enforcement efforts resulted in the arrest of 48 motorists in KwaMashu alone, including teachers and police officers, underscoring the urgent need for improved road safety measures.

MEC Duma praised the collaborative efforts of various teams, including the Disaster Management Team from Inkosi Umtubatuba Local Municipality, Emergency Health Services, and the Road Traffic Inspectorate, who worked under difficult conditions in the aftermath of the tragic accident.

DAILY NEWS