Tragic road accidents in KZN claim 17 lives
KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating two separate mass casualty crashes that claimed the lives of 17 individuals, igniting concern regarding road safety in the province.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “Police have opened cases of culpable homicide for investigation. Further investigation and new evidence, if any comes to the fore, will determine the police’s next course of action.”
On Friday night, six people were killed when a Corsa and a truck crashed along the N2 in Mtubatuba.
Initially, KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma received a report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) informing him about the accident.
“According to the RTI report, a Corsa and a tipper truck collided in Manandi along the N2, resulting in the death of four adults and one child. Two other people are reportedly seriously injured,” Duma said.
He said a team from his office will work tirelessly to ensure they bring closure to the families.
“Finally, we have agreed with RTI that an investigation into this accident must be launched in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and SAPS,” Duma said.
By Saturday, the death toll had climbed to six.
“We were nursing a hope that the brave girl, who sustained serious injuries, was going to survive. Sadly, she has departed,” Duma said.
The deceased are Nokuphakama Mnyango, 85; Makhosi kaMnyango Mthembu, 52; Mvuyani Gcaleka, 43; Senamile Buthelezi, 29; Banzi Buthelezi, 6; and Ayanda Pearl Mthembu.
In the other crash, 11 people, including a child, died when an interlink truck and a minibus taxi crashed on Wanda Cele Drive (R102) in Isipingo, on Thursday morning.
Duma revealed that:
- The truck tyres were worn out.
- The truck owners must face consequences for prioritising profit over truck roadworthiness.
- The taxi driver’s PrDP expired in 2023.
- The taxi was overloaded with 17 to 18 passengers.
Duma said three victims were taken to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Three were taken to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, and one was taken to eThekwini Hospital.
“Witnesses have alleged that the truck driver made a U-turn resulting in a head-on collision,” Duma said.
“It is for these reasons that I have mandated the RTI team to work with the Durban Metro Police and SAPS as part of an investigation. We want to establish the cause of this accident.”
National Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa expressed grave concern regarding the continuous increase in road fatalities linked to public transport accidents.
Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi said that Creecy and Hlengwa have directed the RTMC to investigate the cause of the crash, working together with local authorities.
“Creecy and Hlengwa have also extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased during this challenging time, and they wish for a swift recovery of all the injured. They have also urged all road users to be extremely cautious on the road,” Msibi said.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the RTMC, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities, dispatched investigators to the scene to establish the circumstances that led to the collision.
The RTMC urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic laws and demonstrate increased patience and caution, especially during times of high traffic. This is a critical appeal to prevent the continued tragic loss of life on roads.
South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) KZN office manager Sifiso Shangase said: “Drivers are encouraged to always adhere to the rules of the road. With the current rainy weather conditions, it is critical that drivers exercise extra caution to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users. As an organisation, we discourage overloading. We also remind passengers that they have a right not to board an overloaded vehicle,” Shangase said.
Meanwhile, a multiple-vehicle collision occurred on the N3 inbound, just before Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Friday. This caused congestion and delays.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za