Six family members, three others killed in N2 crash, near Scottburgh
Six people including four children were from the same family.
The Gumede family of Cabhane area, near Hibberdene is mourning the loss of six family members who were killed in a horrific crash on the N2, near Scottburgh on Sunday evening.
Sisters Thulisile Gumede (34) and Nomsa Gumede (32) and their children Amanda Gumede (14), Aminathi Gumede (5), Athandile Gumede (3) and Thandolwami Gumede (1), died along with three others, after the vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a truck.
The only survivor was the driver.
Uncle and grandfather, Mandla Gumede, said at the time of the incident they were on their way home to Umlazi.
He said he was worried when they did not call him to let him know that they had arrived safely.
Also, he had heard on the morning news on the radio about an accident in Scottburgh. When he called them, there was no answer.
Gumede then called other family members in Umlazi to find out if they had arrived.
“They told me that they were not at home and we realised something was wrong, and had to go to Scottburgh to find out.”
Gumede said the family is in shock and don’t know how they will bury six people.
An aunt, Thokozani Gumede, said in their family history, they have never lost so many people in one incident.
“Thulisile and Nomsa are my late sister’s children and their children were like my own grandchildren.”
Ward councillor Bhekani Mngoma said that this is the second time his area has had to face such a tragedy.
“What happened to this family is painful. I have tried to assist the family, we went with them to identify the bodies.”
Mngoma said he hopes that the police plays its role in investigating the incident.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said that Scottburgh police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
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