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5 December 2004

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Bheki Cele has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of eight people who were killed in a minibus taxi accident this morning.

The accident occurred at Makhosini Valley between Ulundi and Vryheid intersection at 6 am as a result of a rear tyre burst, causing the minibus taxi to overturn. Seven passengers and the driver were killed instantly.

Cele has also ordered a top level investigation into the accident. "We have been informed that the accident happened as a result of a burst tyre, however there is still a need to investigate this accident to satisfy ourselves and particularly the families of the deceased," said Cele.

The other passenger died later in hospital, bringing the death toll to eight. Six other passengers were taken to Enkonjeni Hospital in Melmoth. The other two passengers were airlifted to a Durban hospital. Cele has wished those in hospital a speedy recovery.

"Besides our road safety awareness campaigns, law enforcement is going to be strengthened in the north coast area. I have already spoken to the head of department, Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa, requesting that of the 96 traffic officers who will be graduating next week, a bigger number should be allocated to that area because of the high rate of accidents."

Eight cases of culpable homicide are currently being investigated by the SAPS.

Mawande Jubasi
Director: Media Liaison & Public Relations
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport Community Safety and Liaison
Cell: 082 805 5748

Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
5 December 2004
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)