Two safety volunteers, Zelma D’Hollander and Donovan Prince, died in a tragic accident along the N4 at the Jeppes Reef junction, Mpumalanga, in the early hours of yesterday. Another volunteer, Letta Taylor, was seriously injured.

Lowvelder reports that according to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi, a truck had overturned at the intersection.

Vehicle struck volunteers

Safety volunteers responded to the scene and were in the final stages of clearing it when a speeding vehicle entered the junction.

“The speeding vehicle struck three volunteers. Two of the victims died on scene, while the third was rushed to Mediclinic Nelspruit,” says Mmusi.

D’Hollander was the spouse of one of the founding members of the volunteer group, Patrik D’Hollander.

Dedicated community members

The victims were usually among the first responders when accidents occurred along the N4. They played a key role in co-ordinating emergency medical services, traffic management, and other responses at accident scenes.

They were also members of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) in Hectorspruit.

The KLCBT’s liaison officer, Jodene Erasmus, told Lowvelder that the volunteers held vast experience in their field.

The chamber had honoured Patrik and Zelma in 2023 for their long-standing service and contribution to society. The organisation expressed its condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends.

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