Hundreds mourn bus crash victims in Shayamoya

Memorial service honours eight lives lost in Mandeni church transport tragedy.

March 20, 2025

Sboniso Dlamini 1 minute read

Members of the Twelve Apostles Church in Trinity came out in numbers for the memorial service of their fellow members.

Hundreds of people gathered at Shayamoya Sports Ground on Thursday to pay tribute to the eight victims of the tragic bus accident between Mandeni and Stanger on March 9.

The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as mourners joined in prayer, song and words of comfort for the grieving families.

A bus, which was carrying members of the Shakaskraal’s Twelve Apostles Church from Richards Bay to Shakaskraal when it reportedly suffered a tyre burst, veered off the road and rolled down an embankment.

Read: BREAKING: At least six churchgoers killed in horrific bus crash near Mandeni

The accident claimed eight lives, including two children, and injured 46. While a mass memorial service was also held last Thursday, the funerals will take place in different parts of the province.

The victims were Thabani Mchunu (31), Sibusiso Mangala, Nominyaka Mvela (49), Sindisiwe Mhlongo (31), Sihle Malwane-Gumede (6), Lungile Gumede, Jabulile Mlambo and Inami Zikhali (13).

Of the injured, nine people remain at General Gizenga Mpanza Hospital, including five women, one pregnant woman and three children.

The leadership of the Twelve Apostles Church in Trinity, along with government officials, offered support to those affected, emphasising unity and strength.

Families of the deceased spoke fondly of their loved ones, remembering them for their faith and contributions to the community.

Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, together with the mayors of KwaDukuza, Mandeni and iLembe municipalities, announced that the launch of the Easter Holiday Road Plan will take place in the district, with further details to be revealed soon.

“We want to make a strong statement that our road safety campaigns will not succeed without spiritual guidance from religious leaders,” said Duma.

Initially, reports from the transport department indicated that nine church members had died in the accident. However, the number was later confirmed to be eight.