At least nine ANC supporters returning to Mpumalanga from the party’s manifesto launch died in a bus crash near Paulpietersburg in Zululand, KZN on this morning (February 25).

The KZN Department of Transport (DoT) confirmed the crash occurred around 05:00, as the bus was travelling back from ANC’s Mayihlome Rally which was held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on yesterday.

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The accident happened about seven kilometres before reaching eDumbe town, the department said.

Earlier this morning police confirmed eight people were killed in the accident. The transport department confirmed that the death toll rose to nine.

“The law enforcement team on the scene has so far confirmed nine fatalities, however, they have not concluded the full recovery of the bus at the accident scene.
Scores of other occupants sustained injuries, with four being more critical. They have all been taken to a local hospital.”

“The cause of the accident is being investigated and experts will be deployed to assist with the forensic investigation,” said DoT spokesperson Kwanele Ncalane

MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka expressed his condolences to the ANC and all affected families.

“After such a hugely successful rally in Moses Mabhida, we are now waking up to such painful news. We have however already deployed a team on the scene which is already at work with all law enforcement agencies.”

“The investigation has already started, and we are already in touch with the bus owner. Our investigation is looking at the condition of the road, the condition of the bus, the weather during the time of the accident and the condition of the driver,” said Hlomuka.

He wished the people who were in hospital a speedy recovery.

The ANC KZN deputy chairperson Nomagugu Simelane was expected to travel to Mpumalanga to meet with affected families.