Tragedy as more than 20 people die in separate horrific road crashes in KZN in two days: Duma is thinking deeply about the families of the victims

Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: We have no words to describe the devastating impact of recent road crashes on the families of the victims.

To date, our Road Traffic Inspectorate and Road Safety Directorate have recorded the death of more than 20 people over the past two days alone.

In particular, we mourn the death of children, including a 2-year-old Maskandi artist, Mnotho Mngomezulu, popularly known as Inkunzi Avava.

Unfortunately, we have recorded the following accidents:

•  Bergville—under Okhahlamba Local Municipality: Four members of Khotha SA and a teacher died in this horrific accident.

1. Mnotho Mngomezulu (2 years), Joburg
2. Thabile Mahlangu (21 years), Joburg
3. Lungelo Makhungo (14 years), Joburg
4. Musa Mngomezulu (Jozini)
5. Mavuso Nhlanzeko (Bergville)

Three other victims are still in the hospital in critical condition.

•  KwaDlangezwa under Umhlathuze Local Municipality—Three brothers from the Fakude family leave behind their mother. The father is also late.

1. Sifiso Fakude  (37)
2. Sandile Fakude (32)
3. Siphesihle Fakude  (26)
4. Sifiso Blose ( Nongoma)

•  KwaMpumuza under Umsunduzi Local Municipality—From last night’s horrific accident, seven people have died. A child remains in the Intensive Care Unit.

We are shocked and in disbelief mainly because the road accidents occurred in one weekend and Monday.

The sheer number of victims and circumstances under which the victims departed is just too ghastly to comprehend.

The trauma that families are experiencing will take many years to heal. 

We are hopeful that the support offered by the government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal will give them enough strength and courage to tide over this storm.

We wish to indicate the following:

•  Assigned a team of highly experienced officials to visit and interact with all families. 

Each family is facing circumstances that are unique and therefore, our response is tailor-made to help each family go through this ordeal in a manner that shows empathy;

•  Consulting with families to ensure that the departed souls are provided with a dignified funeral;

The Department is obliged to intervene, especially when more than five people have died in a road accident;

• Co-ordinating with Road Accident Fund to explain a package of assistance provided by the Department of Transport under such circumstances that are beyond the family’s control;
• Determining, in consultation with families, days and location for a memorial service for the victims;
• Determining, in consultation with families, the days and locations of funerals of the departed souls;
• Working with the Department of Social Welfare, we have resolved to assign social workers to the affected families to provide, on a continuous basis, psycho-social services during this period of grief.

Ends

Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma