Crash victims laid to rest
Thousands gather in Richards Bay for mass funeral for families killed in tragic N2 accident
CALLED to an untimely death last Sunday, six Empangeni accident victims were honoured during a mass funeral service in Richards Bay on Saturday for contributions to their work, schools and communities .
Roderick Petersen (44) his wife Ronelle (46) and children Amy (5), Josh (11) and their friend’s Simphiwe (14) and Sinakhonke (8) Ngubane were travelling from a church service in Richards Bay when their vehicle collided with a truck.
Thousands packed a mass marque tent at Veldenvlei Sports Complex to pay their last respects.
They included provincial and local government representatives, community leaders, family, friends and community members .
Speakers acknowledged the pivotal role the Petersen couple held in executing their work, Roderick a teacher, church elder and avid fisherman and Ronelle, an employee in the Department of Health.
Expressing the loss to the education fraternity, KZN Education MEC Peggy Nkonyeni said she sympathised with families during this time and felt their pain as she had lost two children in similar accidents.
‘It takes time for time to heal.
‘There will be just a flood of tears, even today as I look at these lives I see my own children,’ she told bereaved members.
She also spoke of the negligence of truck drivers who were going as far as exchanging driving duties while trucks were moving on the road.
‘We have been alerted to these appalling actions, drivers are not even stopping to handover duties but law enforcement can not be everywhere and we need drivers to take responsibility on the roads, it is tragic to lose lives.’
14 NOVEMBER 2013
Tribute to a great teacher
Roderick ‘RP’ Petersen born 30 January 1970 and raised in Durban, matriculated from Little Flower in Ixopo and furthered his teacher training at Bechet. Rods then went on to do his advanced certificate in education-pure mathematics at Edgewood College UKZN.
After graduation, Rods temporarily taught at Fairvale Secondary before he was offered a permanent post at Sunnydale High School in eShowe where he taught for six years.
He then relocated to Empangeni where he continued to teach Mathematics at Empangeni High School (EHS).
Rods gave free maths tuition for matric pupils in rural township areas and won the award for best maths teacher in the uThungulu District.
Dedicated, passionate and a caring teacher, it wasn’t just a job; it was his vocation in life.
He was due to start his Honours in Pure Mathematics at Unizulu in 2014.
Rods was also a man on fire for the Lord – he was an elder at the Aquadene Open Door Assembly Church as well as a member of the Church governing body.
When he wasn’t teaching or preaching he spent time fishing.
An avid fisherman who started a fishing club at EHS, Rods won fishing competitions rewarding him with week-long fishing trips to Mozambique.
Also an epic hockey player, Rods was part of the Zululand Hockey Club and represented the Zululand district in Cape Town winning provincial colours for umpiring.
With a brown-belt in Karate and a Water Polo competitor, his schedule was never too busy to share a joke or an encouraging word.
A loving husband, attentive father and respected man in the community there was no end to the way in which he reached out to help others.
You will always be thought of with love, friendship, courage and admiration!
You will be missed – but not with a burdened heart and a bowed head instead for the laughter we shared, friendships formed and defiant moments when you stood your ground – resolute in your faith and purpose.
You will always be missed by each of us in our own personal ways, for all the special intangible ways that your touched our hearts.
14 NOVEMBER 2013 noon
Ngubane siblings remembered
THE death of Empangeni siblings, Simphiwe (14) and Shakhokonke (8) Ngubane in a road accident has severely impacted the local community.
The Petersen and Ngubane families had a close relationship and the children’s mothers were good friends and work colleagues.
The Ngubane siblings’ grandfather Themba Ngubane said this was ‘such a great loss’.
While the little girl, a Empangeni Preparatory School pupil was shy, his extrovert grandson, a Grade 8 Empangeni High School pupil was ‘a shining star on the rise’.
He expressed the unrivalled love that he and his daughter, Thembile had for them.
‘That boy was brilliant and I was sure he had a long way to go in life.
‘I cannot express my feelings at this particular juncture, all I can do is advise other families that this can happen to any one- just that God has His own plans for all of us.
‘No one can wish something like this to happen even to their worst enemy, let alone for the young, innocent children to be taken away from us in this manner.
‘I have to be strong for the family and even though their mother tries to be strong, it looks like the enormity of what has happened to her children has not sunk in yet.
‘What I would like to know about how the accident happened, is the condition of that truck.
‘Even the MEC for Transport Mr Mchunu said the driver was not under the influence and the truck was new, but the cause of the accident was a burst tyre.’
He questioned how a brand new truck could experience a burst tyre.
13 NOVEMBER 2013
Mass funeral service for crash victims
THERE will be a mass funeral service for the Petersen’s and Ngubane’s on Saturday (16 November) at the Veldenvlei Sports Complex, Richards Bay at 10am.
The memorial service will be attended by the MEC of Transport, Willies Mchunu, Mayor of uThungulu, Thembeka Mchunu and uMhlathuze Mayor, Elphas Mbatha.
Family members from the Petersen, Adonis and Ngubane family will also share tributes at the service.
Funeral conducted by Richards Bay Funerals 083 7410493.
12 NOVEMBER
Community mourns tragic deaths
THERE has been an outpouring of support and encouragement for the Petersen and Ngubane families.
Words of love and sympathy have come from all over the world. Pupils from Empangeni High, where Roderick Petersen taught, have laid flowers at the family’s home in Empangeni.
Friends and family expressed their grief on Facebook and the Zululand Observer website.
Lameez Saloojee – ‘Deepest sympathies to the Adonis and Petersen families. May the Almighty comfort you during this challenging period. Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life… Lameez and Twins ( Auckland,New Zealand)
Joan – ‘Another family taken too soon. May the families draw comfort that they are in a better place. Deepest thoughts from Eshowe expats, Felix/Marais/Van As families in London.
Sean Smith – ‘It is a very great loss to Empangeni High School, the children he taught, and the community as a whole.
He always had a smile on his face, and had that rare quality that for him teaching wasn’t just a job, it was his vocation in life and he loved doing it.’
Joeleen Govender – ‘Rodz u will be greatly missed by your colleagues and kids. The Lord chooses the best first.’
Jess Gunter – ‘EHS has lost a lot in just one day Mr.Peterson and Simphiwe Ngubane will be dearly missed. May all six victims R.I.P our prayers go out to all your loved ones .’
Gcina Gumede – ‘I’m lost for words what a beautiful soul you were Mr RP. I was hopeless in Maths and you made it look easy, I may never have taken it as a subject but you explained it so well.
Nomvelo Zungu – ‘Mr Petersen opened a whole new world for me during hockey practices and knew what I was capable of and had an amazing heart, his children Amy and Josh always tagged along and Josh always joked and blamed me if we lost a game.
12 NOVEMBER 2013
Grieving mother speaks to MEC
IT was minutes after blessing congregation members at Open Door Assembly Church, that Roderick Petersen (44), his family and two young passengers were killed on the N2 highway.
The passengers travelling with the Petersen’s have been identified as Simphiwe (14) and Snakhokonke Ngubane (8).
Yesterday the Minister for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Willies Mchunu and representatives from the local and district municipalities visited the Petersen and Ngubane families.
Family spokesperson, Toni Petersen said her son, a maths teacher at Empangeni High School and his wife a supervisor at Empangeni Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Hospital were true servants.
‘Roderick was a teacher and gave free maths lessons in townships; no one knows about the extra miles that teachers go and Ronelle helped everyone who asked.
‘I cried having to identify my family and a line function of accountability must prevail.
‘The issue of unroadworthy heavy vehicles must be urgently addressed.
‘This family and children are glittering stars,’ she said.
Consoling the bereaved family, uThungulu District Mayor Thembeka Mchunu said it was tragic losing lives and to lose civil servants and people of God.
‘It is a great loss for government and society; we had community members who were committed to God. They understood their roles in contributing to build the nation and moral regeneration of society.
‘The Ngubane family don’t blame anyone, these young vessels were taken as they were from church,’ she said.
11 NOVEMBER 2013
MEC visits Petersen family
THE MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu will today pay a special visit to the Petersen family who lost four family members in a head-on collision outside Empangeni yesterday.
Roderick (44), Ronelle (46) , Josh (11) and Amy (5) Petersen and two young passengers, believed to be friends with the Peterson children died near Honey Farm on their way home from church. Mr Petersen was a maths teacher at Empangeni High School and his wife worked at Lower Umfolozi District War Memorial Hospital.
MEC Mchunu has assembled a team of experts to investigate circumstances relating to the cause of the fatal accident.
He has expressed concern that the accident involved a truck and called on all motorists to drive cautiously on the roads.
‘Weekends have become notorious for accidents that claim the lives of scores of people in the province. Yesterday’s accident is as concerning just as the previous ones. We would like to again urge road users to be extra cautious, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and strictly adhere to road traffic rules. On behalf of the government of KwaZulu Natal, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of the six victims who died in this accident,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu also assured the people of KwaZulu-Natal that his department will continue with intensified law enforcement operations which started during the October Transport Month and will be ramped up as the festive season draws closer.
10 NOVEMBER 2013
Six killed on N2
AN Empangeni family of four and two passengers were tragically killed this afternoon on the N2 just past Honey Farm when a truck going at high speed lost control after a suspected tyre blowout and ploughed into the vehicle.
The driver of the truck fled the scene.
It is believed that the family was en route to Empangeni after attending a church service in Richards Bay.
Empangeni SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, said that a case of culpable homicide has been opened.
‘As soon as the matter goes to court, the prosecutors may amend the case to one of murder,’ added Mdlalose.
Update to follow
This is very sad! May their Sole Rest In Peace.
This is just so tragic. Condolences to all the friends and families concerned. RIP
This is very sad, my condolences goes out to the family. May GOD be with the friends and family of this 6 people.
Oh my God what a tragic accident… May Mr Peterson and Family R.I.P.
Can some one please tell me howmany more lifes do we have to lose due to negligent Truck Drivers??The Roads have now becum a nightmare!!Something needs to be done bout this!
So very tragic. Driver fleeing the scene makes you wonder if there is more to the story. Rest in Peace, you я one of Gods Angels now xxx
Ag liewe Vader dit is so tragies hoeveel onskuldige mense moet nog dood gaan deur ander se nalatigheid
We going to miss you dear friend, may you all dance with The Lord, and know your memory will be treasured at the LURWMH. RIP and love you lots!
Our extreme,extreme sympathy to those families – whenever are we going to wake up and be accountable for our actions of killing off our fellow brothers and sisters? Whenever are our police/metro force going to be had up for poor performance??????
Why run away – what did this driver think he did wrong – just ANOTHER mistake, or was he not trained???
Come on SA – wake up before we are all dead!!
May Their soul rest in peace.. Mr Peterson and his family#EHSteacher.. I’m sure he touched hearts of many
There are no words. RIP Mr Petersen and family! Empangeni High School has lost a much loved and extremely dedicated Maths teacher. You and your family will be sorely missed by all the staff and learners of EHS – Bianca and family our thought and prayers are with you all xxx
MR Peterson was an amazing teacher, he dedicated his lifeto the children he taught and loved so much. He was a friend to my daughter agtafter they lost their mother, and a friend who listened at times when I needed it and gave me faith to carry on. He will be sorely missed. I am heartbroken at the needless loss of his life and the lives of his family and the other children with him. I am angry at the RTI for but this is not the forum to voice that anger.
Rest in peace old friend.
All I’m saying is these trucks must be banished from the roads we so sick of this,it looks like they don’t get enough training from the employers…deeply hurt
Hi all I was at the tragic accident,just want to give my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
So sad….plz plz SA these trucks drivers must have thy own ROUTE……To the families of deaced,it was Gods plan,we ar all goin home(heaven)may th’r soul rest in peace
In fact, what does our minister of transport have to say about this – he was horrified at the fields hill accident, this is 6 people,I shall say that again SIX PEOPLE, a family of four killed one little person of that family of five still surviving, or do citizens of Richards Bay/Empangeni do not enter into the fray?? Maybe only around election time.
May the Peterson family rest in peace its still very hard to believe that such a good man gone due the negligence of a truck driver.I have no doubt that Mr peterson will be sorely missed.we have indeed lost a great character
I do believe when the truck,taxis and
so on is more cheked for tyres , engens
There would not be so many accedents on
Our roads ppl please check your cars
Before you leave ! Doing so will save
Lifes!!live and let live ! Thnx to
Those who do check there cars !
He was a gentle soul , going to miss your smile and witty comments in my office.
Trucks speed limits need to be greatly reduced and there has to b stricter rules for truck drivers and operators. Times, load ,sizes, routes all need to be controlled.
Brother Rod’s, Ronelle and kids you will be truly missed by all of Open Door Assembly .RIP
Hi all to the Peterson family its really sad and tragic my condolences may their soul rest in peace
EHS and most definitely the world, has lost a great teacher,friend and role model. To Mr Petersen, your teaching has touched our lives in ways we cannot even describe. My sincere condolences to the families concerned and i hope justice will soon be served
“God creates his creations with a purpose and takes them for a reason” Mr Peterson had served his purpose. The extremely dedicated Maths teacher will be sorely missed by everyone.He touched many lives differently. RIP to my teacher,Grade 11E1 will miss the punches for being late in class, the “Ayy futsekks” “Right so” etc
Deepest condolences from the Cebekhulu family<3
I am in mourning….a good man and what a lovely family. R.I.P Rod and your beautiful young family. You were so so happy after our ( LIVERPOOL ) win yesterday. YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE my brother…..GOD BLESS – ALWAYS!
It is a disgrace that there are so many accidents on our roads. In Europe there are far more vehicles on less roads and yet the death toll is very low. Annual checks on all vehicles should become law. I have actually seen expensive vehicles like Mercs, BMW, Land Rovers parked in our local car parks like schools, shopping centres and beaches who have very bad tyre thread or in bad condition. There seems o be a lack of responsibility and it is time we adults of SA step up to te mark.
My deepest condolences to the families. Trucks are just becoming hazadous on our roads and all these careless truck drivers should face the consequences of their actions. Its really tragic because bad things happen to really good people. May your’ll rest in peace. Your’ll will be solely missed but remembered forever.
I dont know what to say. Regards to the Peterson family. Justice must be served.
A beautiful family a dedicated mum and dad… Angels!! This is sad ,tragic and disturbing accident!! Prayers and thoughts are with the families of these souls. R.I.P Rods and family! Gone but never forgotten.
We are very Sad and U going to be missed sadly by you peers and Teachers Amy…You were going to be an Angel in the Christmas concert but know u a real Angel there by Jesus my y be rest in peace little girl…The whole town is shocked by this sadden death of your family your dad will be missed by his learners and colleges and so your mom and brother will be missed by his teachers and friends…You all are still together even its hard for us to understand why these things happen…R.I.P peterson family and our thought are with the other 2 passengers family may God comfort u all the way
Rods wot a man! An officer and gentleman. His wife an awesome women. Aye Im so devastated. Wot a loss to us. Ahhh we are gonna miss u boet! Ur banter and all da rest. Just an awesome soul gone too soon. R.I.P Bet. YNWA
Its so sad. He was such a wonderful person. May their souls RIP. My condolence 2 the Family of all the deceased. ♈̷̴σƱ are all 2getha wit the Lord.
This is so tragic.kzn becoming notorius for recless truck drivers.tMEC for transport needs to amend some laws and rules.absolute carnage
I am heartbroken and shattered! I just cannot believe it. Today I have lost a very dear friend who was like a brother to me. We went through so much together. Mrs P, Alex and Carla my thoughts and prayers are with you. R I P Rods you will never ever be forgotten!
Really tragic death.My symphaty goes out to the bereaved families.Truck drivers should be more considerate of lives being lost.Really gona miss a lovely teacher.RIP Mr Peterson.
We were at the animal farm when we heard two suddend bang noises,never to think that something so bad just happend..!!My heart goes out to all family and friends for their los..may justice be served..
Cannot believe a good friend was taken way from us so tragically. We at LURWM Hospital are going to miss you Ronelle. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
What a tragic loss of such young lives. A great loss to society. They are now in the arms of God and will be our Guardian Angels. RIP dear Rod and Ronelle and family.
OUR LOSS IS HEAVENS GAIN…We,the comunity of eshowe will never forget this great man MR PETERSON…OUR MATHS MASTER…until we meet again!!
May this beautiful family and mom and child rest in peace. Three little lives taken so soon. The community will mourn you all.
Righto!!!
Mr Peterson and Aunty Ronnel you will be missed dearly by the Serafims and Josh and Amy RJ(7) already misses you guys you guys are in a Better place right now and the two kids who were fellow Passengers maye your souls R.I.P….I Lost a Family….. But ill see you all in a far better Place
this is truly a sad day for all fellow EHS students as we mourn our favourite maths teachers death and his family…they will be truly missed by may their souls rest in peace I guece God wanted his angels back…may we meet again
we will truly miss yhu guys
Rods,Nellie and family; what a sad day this has turned out to be. RIP my friends until we meet again.
Reg Nunn, United Kingdom
Really heart breaking. My sincerest sympathies go out to the families of the deceased, will be thinking and praying for yourl.
What a sad and horrific end to wonderful lives. Rods you were a true friend and gentleman. RIP and heartfelt condolences to Aunty Toni.
Stuart, Stockholm, Sweden
I still can’t believe something like this could happen…as if I jist blinked my eyes and my whole life was upside down..I love you’ll..will always be in my heart uncle rods,aunty nally,josh,amy..thank you’ll for all the differences you’ll made in my life..
I still can’t believe something like this could happen…as if I jist blinked my eyes and my whole life was upside down..I love ul..will always be in my heart uncle rods,aunty nally,josh,amy..thank you’ll for all the differences ul made in my life..
This happens on a daily basis, so tragic,,,,,,and The family has gone all together,,,,,,,,and the driver has run away, gee wizz . now what? nothing will happen to him but if it was an accident then he must face the music.
To those of us who schooled with Rods and knew him over the years,its an incredibly sad loss. My condolences go out to aunty T, the rest of his and his wife’s family. RIP old friend :(
condolences to the Peterson family and Ngubane family and justice must take it course. Ronnele I will always miss your smile at LUMWRH. RIP
A very tragic and sad loss. New the family and they will be missed by all their loved ones and those who knew them. A great and dedicated family man and teacher has been lossed.
This is so tragic to the point of being speecless.My deepest, heartfelt condolences go out to all the families of those in the accident,the Petersons, the Adonis’ and the families of Joshua’s two friends. May all your souls rest in peace.
Sad, so sad, to many deaths are attributed to poor truck maintenance and driver fatique…I believe that not only the driver to be held accountable but also th e truck owners…more than likely the truck had “retreads” on….which is very dangerous and subject to blow outs….my deepest felt condolenses to the ADDONIS family on their loss
I am in shock. Ronelle was the kindest, sweetest human being i have ever met. She touched everyone she knew with her beautiful smile. RIP Ronelle, Rods, Josh & Amy and the 2 other passengers that were in the car. You will be missed.
I just heard about Mr Peterson and his family.. Rest in peace, everyone close to him and affected by this loss you’re in my prayers.
Empangeni High School will miss this wondeful Man.
Really heartbreaking.Sincere condolences to the family.May God guide you through this time.
The Goverment of the day needs to take full responsibility for this and all the deaths on our roads.They issue and sell licences to people who cannot drive and they just don’t police the roads. As soon as tragedy strikes, they send a task team to investigate.Who’s fooling who.
My condolences to the family…this is a tragic loss Mr Peterson was a gr8 teacher u will be missed dearly.
RIP Peterson family,such a wonderful soul the head of this family was!
You made your mark on this earth but left too soon!
When will the government do something about these trucks? How many more innocent lives must be lost? Rest in peace Rods and family – forever loved Sir. WG
This is unbelievable….condolences to family and friends (Barbs you are in my thoughts and prayer) REV 21 Vs 3,4 – God promises a place with no more tears and suffering may we put our trust in him during difficulties.
Am speechless and shocked.
RIP ,Rodds , Nelly , Josh ,Amy and the other two passengers.
Please , I hope the driver is held accountable for this tragedy!
RIP Mr Peterson and family.The best Maths teacher Sunnydale had. Empangeni High school has lost a great person hope his last students do him in exam
My condolences to the rest of the Petersen and Addonis families. This is such a tragic loss, i just can’t get over this shock. They were part of our family, seeing them everyday. How do you explain to a 5 year old that she won’t see her friend anymore? its heartsore.
They all in Heaven werw they belong. Gone but not forgotten.
This is so sad, so many lives have been lost due to negligence of a truck driver. May you all RIP… Justice must be done.
This is truly a sad story. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this horrific accident
I am still in a shock. What a humble and warm hearted soul! Rods was a good colleague at Sunnydale. RIP fellows
Mr Petersen u added so mch value in our lives and 2day we have wonderful professions bcz of yo contributions & 4 dat we wil b 4eva grateful. May u & yo family Rest in Peace… my Class teacher of Matric 2004!
We struggle to find words to describe what we feeling right now..Rest in peace Rods..I will hang onto the good memories we created together..thank you..”may the peace of God…which surpasses all understanding..abide with the Adonis and Petersen families”…
deepest sympathy to mr peterson.and his family.. may your souls forever rest in peace!
This is so terrible, RIP to the best maths teacher ever.He was a good man indeed. Hope that justice will be done.
righto, chumi chumi baboon, best maths teacher ever in Sunnydale & to Empangeni High you guys have lost a great man. well we hope his in a beta place now. yes it sad for us all but we should be happy that he dead on his way going home from PRAISING HIS LORD…..R.I.P Petersen Family…we should pray for the family more especially Bencia the daughter that is left.
Another family taken too soon..may the Adonis and Petersen family be coming in their loss but heavens gained..absent from body,present with the Lord..may the families draw comfort that they in a better place.deepest thoughts from Eshowe expats in London..from the Felix/Marais/Van As families in London..
To the greatest Math teacher I know. Mr RP as we use to call him made his mark in our lives and difference at Sunnydale High. May all their souls rest in peace
Deepest Sympathy to the Adonis and Petersen families. Beautiful souls gone too soon.
Condolences to the Peterson and Adonis families, still in shock, hard to believe.God is great.Why do the good leave us so soon.RIP.
Deepest Sympathy ans Condolences to the petersen and Adonis family.MSRIP
Am still in shock over this, I cannot believe this has happened.
I don’t know how to express my feelings but as I sit all alone in this office I keep thinking Ronelle is going to come in at any time. May their beautiful and sweet souls rest in peace, I’ve never found a sweet colleague like Mrs Petersen
Sorry Arnold, that was my comment.
May their soul rest in peace what a shock my deepest sympathy
My sincerer condolences to both families Paterson and Ngubane. My your soul rest in peace. May God be with Paterson’s family and with the mother of other two children. Action should be done about trucks, how many accidents happened due to trucks?
My high school match teacher!!!!!!!!! This man single handily made me pass Math when I hated it,what a great loss to the education department of South Africa. The Petersen family will be in my prayers through this rough passage.
I hate the 10th of November and now even more. May their souls rest in peace.
Mr Peterson family may ur beautiful souls rest in peace, Mr Peterson was the sweetest Maths teacher in Sunnydale still cannot believe it.
My condolances to the families that have lost innocent lives.. The way people drive on our roads is rapidly getting out of control.. I myslef driving back to Durban from Emangeni yesterday afternoon was faced with a frightning situation, an off duty blue light brigade BMW X5, forced people to the left lane, came up behind me as I drove to pass a car, then continued to push till I moved out the way.. I ofcourse shared my displeasure with his driving with him, when he slammed on brakes, came on my right & tried to push me off the road!.. He put his lights on and tried to force me off – asked my passenger to call the police and as this happened, they quickly sped away!..
How is all this speeding & power abuse allowed?.. Innocent people lose their lives because of speeding drivers who do as they please.. That speeding truck took 6 lives! this has to end..
We would like to express Our deepest condolences from eshowe Open Door Assembly to the Adonis, pietersen and ngubane families may god strengthen them
Rod , we will miss you especially the fishing outings.
May you and your loved ones rest in peace in God’s arms
My big brother and family may you R.I.P. What a loss! Gone too soon, the pain we feel brother will never end. You guys will forever stay in our hearts! Love you all and god Bless to family. YNWA!
My big brother and family may you R.I.P. What a loss! Gone too soon, the pain we feel brother will never end. You guys will forever stay in our hearts! Love you all and God bless to the family. YNWA!
I was lying in bed having a sunday nap when my little brother came in and said “sisi Mr Peterson and his family passed away.” I was shocked but went back to sleep,I tried regaining my sleep but I couldn’t, I lay flat facing the ceiling praying to God that it was a dream and I’ll soon wake up. . .I prayed to God that it wasn’t them. I eventually got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash my face. when i got out my dad showed me an sms on his phone from the school,i was in shock but still my brain . . .my whole me wanted to believe i was still dreaming. I went to my room to try and study to get the news out of my mind when my mother called and asked if i’ve heard about the Petersen family. .i couldn’t answer but just bursted in tears. I had to drug myself to sleep because i was crying the whole night. When i woke up this morning the first thing i did was go on my facebook just to check whether i was dreaming or not. . .but i wasn’t. It’s truly sad and shocking beacause not only have i lost a maths teacher and a hockey coach but the nation has lost the best maths teacher ever. May his soul and his wife and childrens soul rest in peace. May God strengthen the Peterson and Ngubane families. The Ketsiwe family sends their deepest condolences to both families.
Didn’t known any of these people but still thinking of them and the rest of the family ,one death is one to much ….RIP ANGELS OF GOD…….
I would like to express my dippest condolence to Peterson Family.I will always remember Mrs.R. Peterson for her kindness towards people.
Our deepest condolences to the Petersen and Adonis Familes! We’ve lost a wonderful Family and some great friends. To Toni, we are always there for you! Rod’s my Bro, rest in peace!!!
My dear cuz Roddy. I’m so glad I got to see you and meet your lovely family 3 years ago. I’m so sad and shocked, words escape. All my love to my uncle, aunt and cousins. xxx
This is sad, we must pray for our roads that God may protect us while we on them. To the Peterson family and Ngubane family, may all rest in peace n we will all miss all of you guys. We will meet again in the kingdom of Christ
Today is a sad day for our school.we lost a teacher, college, friend his family and a beautiful gr8 boy simpiwe ngubani.May God be with their familly and friends.
Was Simphiwe Ngubane involved?
My deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones.may God give u the strenght and guidence in this time of sorrow. My children and I were involved in an accident on the 10th of july this year. A 3 trailer truck,turned infront of us, was not his turn to turn, he dragged my car with my kids for about 10metres, crushing the right hand side of the car, had I not pulled my 5 year old daughter out , she would have been crushed to death,my car was written of, and to this day, the trucking company refuses to accept responsibility for what they have done,and refuses to pay for my car, as it was not insured.when does it stop.somebody needs to make these companies and their drivers accountable for their actions.I thank Godfor saving us.
I am shocked. Rest in peace Rods and your family. You will be missed. You have left your mark in all your have interacted with. God be with you and your family and the other passengers.
R.I.P simphiwe,snakho ngubane and to mr peterson and family we will always remember and miss u guys sooo much !!
best maths teacher ever MR Peterson.May you and your family rest in peace.
best teacher maths teacher ever,MR Peterson my you and your family rest in peace.
He taught once at winter school and touched my heart since. May his soul and all others involved REST IN PEACE… God never gives us a load we cannot carry, may He be with da Peterson and Ngubane family
Condolences to da fam and to da pupil o EHS,ge wl surely be missed #sad
To Bianca, who has lost her entire family, our thoughts are with you always.
condolencies to the families and friends…. Gods plans are far beyond our own. Rest in peace our beloved. I didnt knw them but i feel the pain and i cant stop thinking abt this horrific accident.
” God we call upon you to cleanse our roads, and end these tragic accidents that claim innocent peoples live!” rest in peace family.
Condolences to the Pietersen family and may you rest in peace..let there be justice served on that truck driver..
I think that he should be sent to jail, because we have idiots like him driving around heRe in KZN, that take innocent peoples lives & put people in danger, he should be sent to jail before he hurts any more innocent people!!
Heaven help the truck driver if he isn’t found and brought to justice :'( …enough said…
To my now deceased family rest in peace and to the two young souls,so innocent and full of life,who where robbed of their opportunity to live their lives,may heaven accept you. To the family of those young boys my deepest sympathy. I feel your pain. God sees all and will make all things right. Continue to pray and thank God for you life everyday.
What a tragedy. condolences to all families who have suffered loss in this accident. Do the MECs hope their visit will lessen the pain of loss. But yet when they have a chance to do something onstructive to avoid such incidents, nothing is done. now they pitch up like it will make amends somehow.
Mr peterson opened a whole new world for me during hockey practises and knew what i was capable of and had an amazing heart, his children amy and josh always tagged along and josh always joked and blamed me if we lost a game and amy called chickens, ducks. May their souls rest in peace as well as the others that were in the car god has done what he feels is best we may not agree but we shall respect his decision and know we will meet them all in a better place in the future…
Deepest condolences to all who the Petersen family left a mark on and may all 6 of the dearly beloved individuals rest in peace.From today I live in fear that my family might be in danger because of the careless truck drivers and owners amonst us.Its about time these drivers and owners become more cautious about how they drive and what they! The times are countless that myself and my family travel and the same careless driving is seen being practiced by truck drivers but also trucks should be checked as often as possible to clear damage and low maitenance it seems that the low maintenance is the cause of all these accidents!
To the Peterson and Ngubane family may the Lord be with during this time of difficulty. And don’t forget that everything happens for a particular reason.Simphiwe boi may your soul rest in peace and the others too
I’m lost out of word what a beautiful soul u were MR RP I was hopeless in Maths u mayd it look easy I may have never taken it as a subject but u explained it so well aah #memories of sunnydale may u and ure beautiful family Rest IN PEACE u will be missed :-(
D mor I think ab this accident the mor frustrating it gets..wats with these government oficials?they think their visits wil make a difrence at a tym like this..fame at a tym like this?their tym should betr be spent trying to avoid such acidents….
Pathetic really….implements wil only b spoken of but nothing wil be done….this is d world we liv in…
Deepest Sympathies to the Adonis and Petersen families. May the Almighty comfort you during this challenging period.
Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life…
Lameez and Twins ( Auckland,New Zealand)
Our sympathies go out to the families of both Nellie and Rods at this tragic time. Rods was my son dale’s teacher at Sunnydale High school and Nellie is Selwyn’s niece.May you all draw comfort and strength to carry on from the Lord during this tragic time….The Allans Adelaide Australia
Our condolences to the families of both Rods and Nellie on the tragedy that has befallen Rods and Nellie. Words cannot express what you maybe going through at this time…the Ball family…Perth Australia
To the Petersen Family, relatives, friends and beloveth brethens in Open Door Assembly in Aquadene. we do not have words to express how hurtand shock we are. Our God is a good God, full of love, mercy, grace and peace. May the Lord who is our strength and shield be your very present help in this time of trouble. May your hearts not be troubled but look up to the hills where your help will come from. God Bless.
To the petersen family:friends and relatives:to the church Open Door Assemly there are no words to explain our condolences May the God of peace comfort you at this time of sorrow.
My Condolences to the Ngubane & Petersen Families….May God be with you all!
Sadly Minister of transport can wastse as much money of ours as he likes, while travelling around speaking to grieving people, there is NO LAW AND ORDER ON OUR ROADS!!!!!!
I personally think that all truck drivers as well as the trucks should undergo special tests to ensure safety of trucks on the road and I think truck drivers should be taught a lesson about how to drive safely instead of dangerously taking lives regardless of a tire blow out companies always want to take the easy way out with their vehicles they should for one moment think what if it was their families that were involved? These people need to come right.
Highest of condolences to both the families to their loss may the lord Jesus be with you all, I am very sorry that you guys had to lose your families this way.
To the Adonis and Petersen families, no amount of words can comfort you at this time but one thing you can be sure of is GOD sees the hurt and the pain and HE is your PILLAR OF STRENGTH right now.
Enige persoon wat so vinnig ry, kan maar toegesluit word. Indien jy die oorsaak was van iemand se dood, kan jy vir moord aangekla word, want spoed is ‘n keuse nie ‘n ongeluk nie.
Something needs to be done about the truckers on these roads as they have no respect for people who are driving on the same roads.
To the Ngubane family on the loss of your two children,just know that saints all over the world are praying right now for the BALM OF GIDEON to be upon your family right now in JESUS name.
The drive needs to be bought to book and yare the traffic department not have a blits and pull every truck of the road and inspect the vechiles and the driver .would that be to much like hard work cause its far better to sit in your aircon car and man a camra and prey on easy targets .don’t now if u have noticed over the years they seam to be to be getting fatter and fatter
My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved family and I ask god to give the family all strength needed!Mr Peterson u will be sadly missed!My Grade 12 2004 teacher of Sunnydale secondary school has now gone to the safest place!Miss u lots.
Far too tragic! This family has been take far too soon! Our town is shattered. Condolences to all the families involved in this tragic loss! Prayers for u all. They are bright shining stars in heaven now! Bless u all!
Sad,sad day indeed. Roderick, or “Rods” as we knew him, was one of my fishing friends, we use to do some dropshot fishing together. Such a humble person too, he and his family and those others involved in this horrific accident will be dearly missed.
My sincere condolences to the petersien family“god has given,god has taken”akwehlanga lunge hla nga
Our condolences goes out to the Adonis and Peterson families, our support,thoughts and prayers are with you all, may their souls rest in peace for they are gone to a better place.God is still on the throne. Love the Marais,Lynx,Felix,Thompson and Ottino Famlies…
Its such a sad and shocking time for the family. I just ask and pray that a breathaliser test was done on the driver cause in a lot and if not most cases this test gets forgotten about with all that happens at a scene….Petersen,Adonis and Horsely family may we all find peace and calm In Gods name.
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Ngubane family. Sna and Sphiwe will be sadly missed.
VThose we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. …Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, Comfort in the midst of pain.” –
“Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, Just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.From Helenie Pillay
Everythin’ got time, may God be there for them. We love them also prayin’ for them…..”Rest in peace” Zikod’ elimhlophe.
Welcome them into your arms Dear Jesus and give their loved one strength.
Rip safely with our Lord
Its so sad that a whole family gets wiped out through someones carelessness.mrs P my heart bleeds for you at this time. I pray that God holds you tight in your time of bereavement. The truck owners and the drivers should be held accountable. Don’t think of the money you earning while sending an unroadworthy truck on the road think of the peoples lives on the road and their family’s. Think of the people that are left behind to grieve.
We express our condolences to Ngubane &Peterson Family for the tragically loss of their Families is very hard to express our words.We shuttered and out of words how can we express our condolnces.We pray that God may give the bereaved Familes strenghth to overcome this situation.May God be the comforter at this hard times which they face.
Words cannot express my sorrow as I face the future without my friend. The reality of his passing has not been accepted by my mind yet.
This was not meant to happen…
Till we meet again my friend.
Megs. Australia
This is so tragic. My heart goes out to the Pieterson, Adonis and Ngubane families who have all lost their loved ones. May God be with you all at this time and may you find comfort in Him. May all their souls rest in peace with our Lord and Saviour.
Our condolences to the Peterson, Adonis & Ngubane families. May all their souls rest in peace, The Du Plooy family PMB.
gods peace and comfort be with the adonis,peterson and ngubane families.the comunity of eshowe,especially sunnydale have lost so much.my special prayers to alwyn.bazil.byron,deon,haley,nita.melinda and their extended families and to rods family.rest in the lord.to bianca,you are in our prayers
may these beautiful souls R.I.P,when is the KZN department of transport going to wake up and do something about reckless driving,how many lives are been lost caused by un necessary accidents,i wish the deparmtent of transport could put a system in place.less talk and more action.MOT SHOULD become a legal document in south africa,this will make sure that motor vechiles are road worthy.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Petersen and Adonis family we have lost wonderful respectful people who are always willing to go the extra mile.We need to see the law being more strict on motorist who do not respect the rules of the road.We have thousands of innocent lives being taken something that could have been prevented.I Think people who drive recklessly their licence should be taken away and face the full law.R.I.P Rodrick,Ronel and your to beautiful angles you all will be sorely missed.
Aunty Toni words fail to express my sadness. My deepest sympathies to You and Your family. A true gentleman, brother and dear friend! You shall be missed. May your souls rest in peace.
Deepest sympathy to AUNTY Toni, Lex & Carla . Rods was an amazing person . You all in our prayers x
UK
You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace ol’ friend.
Lloyd & Zhydah Petersen, Auckland, NZ
Toni,Alex and Mrs .Petersen condolences on your loss.Eugene Turpin,UAE,Dubai
To the bereaved famalies may God Strenght you in this difficult time. The Open Door Assembly Congregation God has a plan and purpose for everything under the heavens. May there souls R.I.P
May their dear souls rest in peace and rise in Glory. May God grant comfort and strength to the family and friends of these wonderful people. Amen
‘Memories can never be erased’
If we listen closely, we can hear the rustle of Angels wings……. and we know you are still with us in Spirit. Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory. Amen
This has to come to a stop, governmernt must do something about this, there is no day that goes by without hearing of death and accidents. A few years back one accident was one too many but today it is a norm. It saddens me that when you travel you may never know when the next truck will strike, all we think of is I might be next.
People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net and birds in a trap, people too can be caught by sudden tragedy(Proverbs). Words cant explain what i feel right now. The deaths of Mr. Peterson and ‘Static'(Simphiwe) Ngubane have come as a great loss to their families,friends and us Empies. May God have mercy on their beautiful souls. Peterson family,Simphiwe and Sna all of you guys will be sorely missed. Till we meet again. *Deepest condolenses to their families and friends* :(
@Catherine: Is your comment about roadworthy cars referring to my brother’s car in this accident? What informs your comment on my families car?
Lale ngoxolo umndeni wakwaPeterson nowakwaNgubane…iNkosi ibe nano njalo.
My friend, my savior, my confidant.
How do I face the future without your encouragement, your answers, your teasing and your undying friendship? A thought I’m battling to wrap my head around. I don’t have an everyday friendship any longer but I do have your spirit to nurture my dear dear friend. To Mrs Petersen what an amazing, soft hearted, soft spoken, caring, loving ,funny, dedicated son you raised, a gift to everyone he met.To Bianca words cannot express the pain I feel for You, To the Adonis family you are in my constant prayers and to Lex and Carla I’m so sorry!Till we meet again RP
I miss you guys so much. Today seems to be so hard for me to carry on without you, <3
Today I miss you more than ever. I love you a thousand years. I love you a thousand more <3
We never knew, we found out from the papers, a dear friend u were Rods, i am blessed to have know u, and truly tx GOD that i had cross paths wid such a great friend………never forgotton Daniel
We miss the friendly and warm smile of Ronelle Petersen, May God richly bless her and her family.