Durban – In a heartbreaking incident, eight members of the same family lost their lives while traveling to a wedding when their minibus taxi overturned and rolled down an embankment in Mandaba, Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.
“It is difficult to convey the depth of our condolences to the families impacted by this morning’s road tragedy in Mandaba, Nkandla,” remarked KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma in a statement on Monday, (30 December 2024).
“Eight family members sadly perished after their taxi flipped over and descended down the embankment.”
“It is profoundly sorrowful that these individuals were en route to celebrate a wedding.”
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and Hon Sizophila Mkhize, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, visited the accident site to provide support to the grieving family and local community.
“We extend our sincerest sympathies to the families of the five victims involved in a head-on collision with an SA Police Service vehicle on Mondlo Road near Vryheid,” added MEC Duma.
“We have arranged for a team from the department to connect with the mourning families in both Nkandla and Vryheid.”
“Earlier today, two individuals lost their lives, and several others were injured in a taxi accident on the N2 Southbound at Spaghetti Junction.”
RELATED: Spaghetti Junction Tragedy: 2 Dead After Minibus Taxi Crashes Into Barriers, Rolls – The Bulrushes
In another tragic traffic event, one individual lost their life and multiple others were injured when a bus overturned on the R618 Hlabisa Road near the Hluhluwe Game Reserve Gate, heading towards uMtubatuba.
Reports indicate that the bus driver lost control due to brake failure.
“Our devoted Road Traffic Inspectorate team is devastated by the recent surge of road accidents that have claimed innocent lives,” commented MEC Duma.
“Unfortunately, these incidents have occurred following a significant decrease in fatalities reported between 1 December 2024 and 27 December 2024, compared to the same period last year.”
“We continue to urge all motorists to exercise greater caution while traveling.”
