Seven die on Zululand roads
In a written statement, he said: 'Tragic accidents between eShowe and Ulundi on Monday have left one in a distraught state of mind as lives were lost in circumstances that could have been avoided
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli has lamented the number of serious accidents in the region over the past week.
In a written statement, he said: ‘Tragic accidents between eShowe and Ulundi on Monday have left one in a distraught state of mind as lives were lost in circumstances that could have been avoided.
‘We have reached a point where drastic road safety measures must be implemented in order to save lives on our roads.’
He said this after hearing of three accidents which claimed the lives of seven people.
The first accident involved the wife (Undlunkulu weSilo) of the Zulu King, His Majesty Goodwill Zwelithini on Tuesday evening on the R66 near Ndundulu.
Preliminary reports revealed that the driver of a Nissan Tiida lost control on a right curve and collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz which was carrying Undlunkulu weSilo and three other passengers.
The driver of the Nissan Tiida was declared dead on the scene while those travelling in the Mercedes-Benz escaped with minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Technical advisor
In a second accident, MEC Ntuli’s recently appointed Technical Advisor, Siboniso Buthelezi also lost his life in a motor vehicle accident on Monday night. Circumstances surrounding the fatal crash are still being investigated by forensic experts.
MEC Ntuli planned to visit Buthelezi’s family in KwaCeza near Ulundi on Tuesday.
The third horrific crash left five people burnt beyond recognition on the R34 near Mtonjaneni.
Preliminary reports revealed that two vehicles, a Ford Ranger and a Toyota Yaris collided head-on.
It is believed that the Yaris crashed into the guard rails and then veered off the road and collided with the Ford Ranger.
The Yaris had four occupants, who were all burnt beyond recognition.
The Ford Ranger had one passenger who sustained severe injuries and was taken to hospital where he later died, increasing the number of fatalities to five.
DNA tests are currently being conducted to identify the deceased and inform their families.
Ntuli says communities, government and the private sector need to fight this ‘scourge’.
He sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish those in hospital a speedy recovery.
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