A sombre atmosphere has enveloped the Zungu home in eNkanyisweni, Adams Mission, following the horrific death of family member Celani Zungu (39), who was fatally run over by an eThekwini Municipality water tanker on August 2, reports South Coast Sun.

While welcoming mourners and journalists who were arriving and leaving the home, members of Celani’s family were also still trying to search for answers to questions that linger. Speaking on behalf of the family two days after the incident, Surprise Zungu, the deceased’s brother, said the family was at a loss and was still trying to process what happened. He said he was not present where the incident happened and would not speculate on the events that led to his brother’s public death.

A short video clip that has been shared widely online shows the deadly encounter that led to Celani’s demise. It shows a municipal water tanker running over Celani after he ran in front of it. After running him over, the driver appears to speed away from the scene without stopping. The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that the incident involved its truck, and at the time of publishing no arrests had been made, but the driver was suspended from duty.

A visibly distraught Surprise said the family seeks justice, and that means arrests being made.

“We want to know when this driver will be arrested for killing our brother. We want to know what will happen to the case after the arrest because we always see people get arrested one day and walking free the next,” said Surprise.

Celani was a taxi driver serving the Isipingo – KwaMakhutha route and helped support the family. A day after his death, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba led a delegation of City officials to the Zungu home to pay their respects. Xaba conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them that a team of municipal officials, together with the ward councillor, Lihle Makhanya, will work closely with the family during the time of bereavement.

“We were deeply saddened to learn of this tragic incident. We appeal for calm and urge the community to allow the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter,” said Xaba.

Celani leaves behind three children and several siblings. He will be laid to rest at his home on August 8.

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