KZN Transport MEC joined the family to pay his respects and offer support.
A family is mourning the loss of a mother and her four children in a devastating road accident that claimed their lives in the Free State’s N3.
The mass funeral, which took place on Monday, highlighted the ongoing road safety challenges in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and South Africa as a whole during the festive season.
On December 7, a head-on collision between a truck and a car on the N3, near Harrismith, resulted in the tragic deaths of five people.
Provincial District EMS Manager Sipho Towa confirmed that emergency services arrived on the scene at around 8pm and witnessed the fatal crash that would devastate the Gumede family.
READ ALSO: Horror crash in Free State claims five lives
Free State N3 clash family and official mourning
Siboniso Duma, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, expressed the department’s deep condolences in a heartfelt statement.
“No words can comfort the family and relatives after this tragic loss that occurred at this time of year,” Duma said.
The deceased include Nonzuzo Gumede and her four children: Samkelo, Mpendulo, Mnqobi and Nqobile Gumede.
The mass funeral was held at the Umkhasandoda Sports Ground in Ward 67, Folweni Golokodo.
Duma joined the family to pay his respects and offer support during their difficult time.
The MEC said the Ministry of Transport has provided a helping hand to “help the family bury their loved ones.”
May God ease their pain
IN PICTURES: “A thousand words from all of us may not be enough to comfort the Gumede family. Only God has the power to ease their pain.” pic.twitter.com/eFvMNHlPaI
— KZN Transport (@KZNTransport) December 16, 2024
KZN road safety efforts
The tragedy occurred hours after acting Free State Prime Minister Jabu Mbalula concluded the province’s holiday road safety campaign.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula had stressed that road safety is a collective responsibility and urged all road users to prevent accidents and fatalities.
In response to the ongoing security problems, the provinces have taken strict measures.
Duma revealed that more than ten taxi drivers have been charged and arrested for driving without a professional driving license (PrDP) in KZN.
“We will have no mercy on anyone driving passengers without a professional driver’s license,” he warned.
READ ALSO: Fourteen people killed in head-on collision in the Eastern Cape
According to Duma, the provincial transportation team has been actively conducting road safety operations at multiple locations.
These efforts included the official opening of a satellite station in Underberg and an integrated roadblock on the R617, where 585 vehicles were stopped.
During this operation, 24 people were charged, nine arrested for various traffic violations and twelve summonses were issued.
In addition, eight vehicles were seized, including seven taxis and one bus.
Enkosi Selane
www.citizen.co.za