Umzumbe crash victims laid to rest
MEC joins grieving families after deadly N2 head-on crash and vows to intensify festive-season road safety.
After 14 people, including children, were killed in two separate crashes on the N2, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has vowed to intensify safety measures on the province’s roads.
Duma joined devastated families in Umzumbe last weekend after a head-on collision on November 14, claimed five lives. The tragedy, involving a vehicle travelling southbound and another heading north, has left communities across the South Coast reeling.
Three-year-old Ezendalo Zyanda Msomi, who was laid to rest in Pinetown, was among the victims. The others who died were named as Nonhlanhla MaMthembu Nkomo, Nqobile Mthembu, Lulonke Mthembu and Nolwandle Hadebe.
At the funeral gathering, Duma described the past week as ‘long and agonising’ for those affected.
“We are here to express our deepest condolences to the family and relatives following this tragic loss,” he said.
He confirmed that senior departmental officials have been assigned to support the bereaved families, while officials from Ugu District Municipality and Umzumbe Local Municipality are assisting with coordination and funeral arrangements.
Duma said he had engaged with Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, on the night of the crash, who also conveyed his deepest sympathies. He added that the Saps Accident Unit is continuing its investigation into the incident, as well as another deadly crash along the same stretch of road, near Scottburgh, which left nine people dead, including six members of the Gumede family.
“While we continue as the department to help each family go through the ordeal of losing their loved ones in a manner that shows empathy, we offer to double our efforts to reduce and end carnage on our road networks,” said Duma.
He added that the Road Traffic Inspectorate team is working flat out, enforcing compliance with traffic regulations – efforts that will be intensified as the festive season approaches.
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