Latest news with #MECSibonisoDuma
The South African
7 days ago
- The South African
Police officers among five killed in Marianhill Toll Plaza crash
The bodies of five people, including two policemen, have been recovered following a horrific accident near the Marianhill Toll Plaza on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal. The accident happened on Friday night, 4 July. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements said the minibus taxi, carrying 17 passengers, was travelling to Ixopo when the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid a reckless Polo driver. Five people were declared deceased on the scene, three were critically injured, while nine suffered moderate injuries and were rushed to RK Khan Hospital. MEC Siboniso Duma said they are saddened by the death of five people in this accident caused by a polo driver, just after the Marrianhill Toll Plaza. Duma said the minibus taxi veered off the road and plunged 50 meters down the embankment. The recovery of bodies has been completed. 'We lost four women and one male. Of the four women, one was a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in full uniform.' 'We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We wish those in hospital a speedy recovery. We salute the emergency personnel, RTI, eThekwini Metro Police and rescue teams for their dedication,' Duma said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- The Citizen
At least 12 dead in a bus and truck collision in KZN
A truck and a bus collided near Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal shortly before midnight on Monday night. The scene of a collision between a truck and bus in KZN on 17 June. Picture: Supplied Scores have been left dead and injured following a horrific late-night accident in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The provincial department of roads and transport reported early this morning that a passenger bus and a truck had collided on the R34 near Vryheid The incident occurred around midnight, with at least 32 people confirmed to have been taken to the hospital in the aftermath. Death toll increases Sadly, an additional 10 passengers were confirmed dead at the scene, and their remains have since been transported to the Vryheid mortuary. As of 2am on Tuesday morning, authorities were still attending the scene, and by 5am, the office of KZN transport MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed two more passengers had succumbed to their injuries. Among the injured are the two drivers, while six occupants of the bus escaped unharmed. Early information from the scene suggests the passengers were attendees of a Youth Day political rally. The truck reportedly struck the bus' left front corner before ripping through the side of the passenger transporter. 'Based on the report from the road traffic inspectorate, after the head-on collision, the truck struck the side of the bus,' stated the MEC's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya. 'We are establishing facts around reports that the bus was transporting supporters of a political party,' Sibiya confirmed. 'We have agreed with the road traffic inspectorate team that we will work with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the South African Police Service as part of a comprehensive investigation,' the MEC's spokesperson concluded. NOW READ: Youth Day weekend safety: Creecy explains why June is a 'very unfortunate month' on SA's roads
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- The Citizen
Culpable homicide investigation launched into N2 crash
MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed that the driver of the tow truck was arrested after the tragic accident. An investigation has been launched after eight church members lost their lives in a devastating accident on Sunday morning along the N2 near Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport confirmed the final death toll after initial reports suggested nine fatalities. Accident on N2 Provincial Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma revealed that the accident involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-100 bakkie. 'Members of the South African Police Service are investigating a case of culpable homicide,' Duma stated. Additionally, Duma confirmed that the driver of the tow truck has been arrested. He said both vehicles will be subject to a comprehensive investigation. ALSO READ: Tow truck driver arrested after KZN crash kills 8 Church and community impact The victims were members of Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion, headquartered in Hluhluwe. The horrific nature of the accident was compounded by the difficulty in identifying victims, with Duma noting that 'dismembered body parts resulted in the miscalculation of the victims'. Reverand Simiso Mathe from the local Intathakusa Church in Zion said nine church members were initially treated and discharged, with three still receiving hospital treatment. ALSO READ: One killed, four injured in head-on crash involving taxi in KZN Support for crash victims In response to the tragedy, Duma has mobilised support for the affected families. 'My office will work with the elders of Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion and families to ensure that the departed are given a dignified funeral,' he said. Furthermore, the department has mandated senior management from the Road Traffic Inspectorate and provincial chaplains to provide support to the grieving families. Duma said counselling services will be extended to both emergency personnel and surviving church members to help them cope with the traumatic incident. The victims' identification is scheduled to take place at the Richards Bay Mortuary. NOW READ: 15 killed, five injured in head-on crash in Eastern Cape
