A ZIMBABWEAN couple and their minor children perished in a
horrific road accident in South Africa last weekend which claimed eight lives,
some of them burnt beyond recognition.
The crash occurred in Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal, with one of
the vehicles, a Porsche Cayenne, bursting into flames on impact.
According to the police, all four occupants of the vehicle were burnt beyond
recognition.
The husband and wife Zimbabwean couple and their two
children aged 10 and five who were travelling in the other vehicle, a Toyota
Fortuner, died at the scene of the accident. SA Police spokesperson Nqobile Gwala said circumstances
surrounding the tragedy were being investigated.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is assisting the
relatives of two families with the bereavement.
Traffic officials were working with police to establish the
owner of the Porsche, as the car had no registration numbers.
Police identified the Zimbabwean family as: Tonderai
Godfrey Sithole (38) – Driver, Faith Sithole – Wife (36), Shalom Sithole –
Female (10), Shekinah Sithole – Female (5).
Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Bheki Ntuli said
he was saddened at the continued loss of life and extended his condolences to
the families of the dead. He pledged the support of the department.
“I’m deeply saddened at the continued loss of lives. Losing
an entire family in just one accident is such a great tragedy. In this
particular accident we have lost two families,” he said.
“We once again extend our heartfelt condolences to the
families of the deceased and our officials will continue supporting the
families as the make arrangements to bury their loved ones.
“What is most worrying is that it seems as though motorists
are not adhering to our road rules and speed limits, which in the main is
leading to these accidents.”
Local councillor Zakhele Myende said the area where the
accident occurred was notorious for speeding vehicles.
“We don’t often have such accidents, but are aware of the
issue of cars speeding at the spot where the accident happened,” said
Myende.
“There are a lot of trucks going in and out of Ladysmith
towards Newcastle, and motorists often speed to try to overtake these trucks.
We have reports that there are lots of speeding tickets issued on that part of
the road.”
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