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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- The Citizen
Get to know the young men and women in blue during youth month
Get to know the young men and women in blue during youth month This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) joins the country in observing Youth Month by celebrating its young men and women in blue who go above and beyond the call of duty. Today, we introduce the nation to 32-year-old Constable Kgomotso Monnamorwa, an operator attached to the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit in Potchefstroom, North West. Having joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2022, Kgomotso as affectionately known, believes that with an abundance of careers in the Service, one needs just potential and commitment to contribute immensely towards creating a safe and secure environment for the people of South Africa. Monnamorwa who was born and brought up in Mokasa II village, Taung, has been part of the SAPS family for the last three years following her recruitment on 1 April 2022. Ordinarily, working at Public Order Police (POP) has its own challenges, considering that the Unit is primarily responsible for combating crime and maintaining public order. Nevertheless, that did not discourage Monnamorwa to accept with both hands her permanent placement at the POP Unit. When she is not performing crowd management duties or combating crime in the field, the resourceful officer is responsible for the Loss Management and Moveable Government Property duties in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Section. Her duties include but not limited to ensuring that the Unit has enough resources and that the available ones are used optimally and in an accountable manner. Monnamorwa who is also known as 'Momo', obtained her BA Degree in Psychology and Sociology, which she completed in 2019 at North West University. With her determination to equipping herself academically, the member is considering pursuing a career in the Psychology field. She believes that there is so much to learn and is passionately committed about developing herself within the Service and uplifting her fellow members. Having been in the SAPS for three years, Monnamorwa's message to the youth is that: 'There are so many career opportunities within the SAPS; you just need to realise your true potential, study and work smart towards achieving your aspirations. The SAPS does not tie you to the field of work only, but allows you to be in charge of your future while continuing to ensure the safety and security of the community. Be disciplined, accountable and Serve with purpose.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
21 hours ago
- IOL News
Umhlanga police station upgrades to enhance community safety
Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson (right) and eThekwini Ward 35 Councillor Bradley Singh discuss possible upgrades to the Umhlanga police station. Image: Supplied Umhlanga's rapid growth and development needed a police station to meet its demands, said ratepayers when they met with the Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, in Durban on Monday. On Monday, while attending the KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure's Construction Imbizo in Durban, Macpherson complied with eThekwini Ward 35 Councillor Bradley Singh's request to inspect the Umhlanga police station. Singh said the visit resulted in a commitment to address long-standing infrastructure issues at the police station, which was used by the SAPS and Durban metro police. Key interventions agreed upon include: Immediate installation of a perimeter fence to enhance security. Repairs to the main gate to ensure controlled access. Restoration of the generator to full operational capacity. 'The Minister has committed to initiating the process of constructing a permanent building for the Umhlanga Police Station, replacing the current prefabricated structure. This marks a significant step toward establishing a fully functional and dignified facility for both officers and the community,' he said. Singh said that after years of advocacy by residents, their voices were being heard, with the upgrades expected to improve safety and service delivery in Umhlanga. 'The Department of Public Works and SAPS will collaborate closely to expedite the projects, with timelines to be communicated in due course.' Singh said the entire facility, including its grounds and offices, are in a shocking condition and fails to comply with basic health and safety regulations. He added that as a police station serving the Umhlanga community, its current state reflects poorly on the department and undermines public confidence. Terri MacLarty, chairperson Umhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association (URRA), who was also in attendance at the site visit, said they were delighted with the progress made. She said that ratepayers have been in support of making conditions more workable for the metro police who have been stationed at police stations since September 2022 and have worked under challenging conditions. 'We have engaged with the councillor to prevent metro police from relocating to KwaMashu as a result of poor working conditions and given that development in Umhlanga has rendered it no longer a village, but rather a Central Business District,' she said. MacLarty said it was imperative that the metro policing of by-laws be stepped up and that they needed to have a permanent presence in Umhlanga. 'We are also appealing to eThekwini to increase metro resources to ensure that Umhlanga does not deteriorate, given the lawlessness that is and has crept in. Our thanks to Councillor Bradley Singh for acting swiftly, and we look forward to a temporarily improved and secure station, and ultimately a new structure to service the Umhlanga community, which is long overdue. The metro and SAPS put their lives on the line for us, and they deserve better,' she said. [email protected]
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Pilot and two passengers on missing aircraft in KZN, confirmed dead
"We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased passengers," said MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN, Siboniso Duma. "ARCC informed us that they will be handing over the matter to the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation. The aircraft , which left the Virginia Airport at around 3pm on the day was reportedly operated by a student pilot. The Pyper Cherokee aircraft that went missing on Sunday has been found. However, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has confirmed that all three passengers aboard, were found dead. The Pyper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB was last seen on Sunday. The aircraft took off from Virginia Airport, Durban, around 3pm and did not reach its intended destination. It was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown. Duma said they were informed by the ARCC that they would be handing over the matter to the SAPS's Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation. He said they were in communication with Zama Biyela, the mother of the late student pilot (Nqobile Biyela). "This is the most difficult period for her and the entire family. "Losing such a young great leader with a promising career in the aviation industry, under such circumstances, is not only tragic but devastating. "Officials from my office and Ayanda Msweli, the country's leading traffic anchor, are in touch with Biyela family and we will locate the other families to express our condolences, and we salute rescue teams for their display of efficiency." He singled out ARCC, SAPS Search and Rescue, Fire and Rescue Okhahlamba, Search and Rescue Zone Association, KZN Provincial EMS, Hamnet, ER24, Netcare911, Berg Flying, Greytown G911, Umboti Community Services, MTN and the Bhanoyi Airfield Estate for their efforts in the search mission. Meanwhile, Duma said his department had announced plans in April, through guidance from the aviation industry and the Economic Regulations for Transport Act, regarding major work being done at various airports in the province like Margate, Oribi, Umkhuze, Richards Bay and Virginia Airports. "We are currently harmonising our work with relevant departments such as SA Aviation Authority, Airport Company of South Africa, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs," he said. Additional Reporting: DAILY NEWS REPORTER
