THE seven people who died in a horrific head-on collision on the N17 near the Ermelo Toll Plaza in Mpumalanga in the early hours of Sunday morning have been identified.

KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has assembled a team to liaise with the victims’ families and provide support following the fatal crash.

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At the time of the collision, the victims were travelling to Johannesburg after attending an ordination church event in Manguzi.

In a statement issued today (Monday), Duma expressed condolences to the bereaved families, including the family of the driver of the other vehicle involved.

“This is the most difficult period for the families. Losing family members after the most successful ordination brings unimaginable grief and opens gaping wounds no person can heal. We invite God to shine His face upon the families and help them find strength in prayers,” said Duma.

Among those who died were Dumisane Sithole, his wife Pinky MaMbonambi Sithole, their two children, his mother-in-law, mother and grandmother Cora MaMbonambi Simelane.

Also among the deceased were Pastor Nhlabathi and his wife, Dumisile MaMlambo Nhlabathi.

Dumisane Sithole, his wife and their two children will be laid to rest in eDumbe; Cora MaMbonambi Simelane will be buried in KwaSomkhele, while funeral arrangements for Pastor Nhlabathi and his wife Dumisile MaMlambo Nhlabathi are still to be confirmed.

Duma said his department would continue engaging with the affected families during this difficult period.

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