Isipingo deadly crash: Names of 11 victims released ahead of a joint memorial service
Families mourn 11 victims of Isipingo crash.
Image: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has released the names of the 11 victims who died in a devastating crash on the R102 in Lotus Park, Isipingo, after a recent meeting with their families.
The accident occurred on Wanda Cele Road when a truck with worn-out tyres crashed into an overloaded taxi enroute to Illovo on the south coast.
Speaking about the tragedy, Duma described the scale and circumstances of the incident as shocking for both officials and relatives of the victims. In a media statement, he confirmed that the KwaZulu-Natal Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has launched a comprehensive investigation.
“We welcome the confirmation by SAPS and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy that an inquiry is underway. No stone must be left unturned,” Duma said.
Duma commended the professionalism of the investigating officer from Isipingo SAPS, highlighting the officer’s close collaboration with the department to support families during the identification process at Park Rynie Mortuary.
All 11 families have now been located, with the final family traced on Tuesday afternoon, Duma confirmed.
The department has been directed to remain actively involved in assisting families as they navigate the emotional process of identifying and laying their loved ones to rest.
"We wish to announce that families expressed their wish to bury their loved ones individually," added Duma.
However, a joint memorial and prayer service will be held to honour all the victims.
The memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 10:30 am at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
Provincial chaplain Viva Mpungose, along with departmental chaplains, ambassadors, and interfaith leaders, will lead prayers during the event.
"We invite the people of KwaZulu-Natal to attend the memorial service and be support pillars for the families."
The funeral arrangements for the victims are as follows:
Bangeni Shange (69) – Port Shepstone, Saturday
Zinhle Ntshangase (33) – Umzimkhulu, Saturday
Pamela Mangqasane (66) – Eastern Cape, Saturday
Nompumelelo Mteshana (34) – Harding, Sunday
Talethe Joyce Khwela (43) – Mfume, Sunday
Nteboheng Mkhize (51) – uMgababa, Saturday
Sonwabile Nokwebuza (58) – Eastern Cape
Maqhawe Sosibo (33) – Bulwer
Samukele Sithole (18) – Umlazi, likely Saturday
Mcebo Gumede (36) – Umlazi (eGolokodo), this weekend
Nkululeko Mkhize (48) – Adams Mission, family located Tuesday
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