12-05-2025
KZN Transport MEC confirms eight fatalities in Mother's Day crash involving church group
KZN Department of Transport MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has clarified that eight members from the Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion died in a tragic accident on the Empangeni N2.
The Department initially reported that nine people had lost their lives.
The accident took place on Mother's Day and involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-100 bakkie.
The victims were part of a group of 24 congregants travelling to Dukuduku in Mtubatuba.
Duma said that he is in contact with the church and family members of the victims, largely mothers, of yesterday morning's car accident.
"From the initial nine fatalities reported yesterday, we wish to confirm that only eight church members of Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion, headquartered in Hluhluwe, died in that horrific accident that left the whole country in shock.
"Unfortunately, the dismembered body parts resulted in the miscalculation of the victims. Counseling will be provided to the emergency personnel and to surviving members of the church," Duma said.
