Gumede Family Bids Farewell to Loved Ones

The Gumede family laid to rest six of their beloved members on Sunday, all victims of a motor vehicle accident on the Scottburgh N2, a week ago.

In total, the collision claimed eight lives.

As the family gathered to bid farewell, Zandile Gumede, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed their struggle to come to terms with the loss.

"It's painful and heartbreaking," she said, as she struggled to contain her emotions. 

"I don't know what to tell the kids when they ask about their parents," said Gumede.

The funeral was attended by MEC for Transport and Human Settlement, Siboniso Duma, alongside officials from the Umzumbe Municipality, who also offered their support to the bereaved family.

"We are here to bid farewell to Thandolwethu Gumede (1), Andile Gumede (3), Aminathi Gumede (6), Amanda Gumede (15), Thulisile Gumede (34), and Nomusa Gumede (32)," said Ndabenhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the department.

"The religious leaders have been providing spiritual guidance to the families," said Sibiya.

The department also extended their condolences to the Gumede, Msani, and Chamane families, who also lost loved ones in the same accident.

In another crash that resulted in multiple fatalities, five people, all from the same family, lost their lives in a head-on collision between a Suzuki light motor vehicle and a minibus on the N2 highway during the early hours of Saturday.

Crash site was on the N2, near the Umzumbe Bridge, along the KZN South Coast.

The family of five, comprising three children aged between three to five years, and their parents, were killed instantly on impact.

Emergency responders at the scene also attended to a 14-year-old female and two other passengers from the minibus. They were then transported to hospital for further treatment.

"I have assigned a team from my office to liaise with local community leaders,” said Duma, who also extended his condolences to the grieving family.

He emphasised the importance of an immediate and thorough investigation, and indicated that the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) would provide a preliminary report.

“In the interest of safety, we have handed over the matter to the SAPS for further investigations,” he added.

DAILY NEWS