A horrific New Year’s Day road accident claimed the lives of a father, his young daughter and nephew, on the notorious Ekuvukeni/Ladysmith road.
Simphiwe Nelson Mswane (38), a Correctional Services officer in Dundee, was one of those killed, along with his daughter, Nolwazi and nephew, Nomevelo.
Three other relatives, Busi Khoza, Nomcebo and Sanele suffered injuries and were treated at La Verna hospital, Ladysmith. They have since been discharged.
The Mswane family were travelling from Ekuvukeni to Ezakheni. Sanele, one of the survivors of the car crash said: “The oncoming car suddenly swerved towards ours and there was a terrible collision'”.
The spokesperson for the Mswane family, Musa Mswane, said: “It is a difficult time for the family since we have lost three family members in one day. The driver of the other vehicle might have been tired after the new year’s celebrations.”

The driver of the other vehicle is reported to be under police supervision at a Ladysmith hospital.
In a memorial service for Mr Mswane, held at the Dundee Anglican Church on January 4 and attended by correctional officials and family, he was hailed as a one-of-a-kind correctional official.

SPA Moloi, a correctional official from Dundee prison, said: “I knew Siphiwe for a short period, but I learned a lot from him. He was punctual, accurate and dedicated to his work. According to me ‘he was a giant’.” Speaking to the family, Majuniya Mlambo, who was a supervisor to Mr Mswane said: “When I say he was an ideal official I am not sugar coating. I can proudly say he was an example to other correctional officials.”
The funeral service was held on January 7 at Ekuvukeni.