Clarification on Mother's Day accident: Eight church members confirmed dead.
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KZN Department of Transport MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has clarified that eight members from the Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion died in a tragic accident on the Empangeni N2.
The Department initially reported that nine people had lost their lives.
The accident took place on Mother's Day and involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-100 bakkie.
The victims were part of a group of 24 congregants travelling to Dukuduku in Mtubatuba.
Duma said that he is in contact with the church and family members of the victims, largely mothers, of yesterday morning's car accident.
"From the initial nine fatalities reported yesterday, we wish to confirm that only eight church members of Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion, headquartered in Hluhluwe, died in that horrific accident that left the whole country in shock.
"Unfortunately, the dismembered body parts resulted in the miscalculation of the victims. Counseling will be provided to the emergency personnel and to surviving members of the church," Duma said.
He went on to say to confirm that the tow truck driver who is allegedly responsible for the collision has been arrested, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating a case of culpable homicide.
"My office is in touch with Rev Simiso Mathe from the local branch called Intathakusa Church in Zion located in Ward 03, Umtubatuba Local Municipality. The church is affiliated with Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion," added Duma.
"He informed us last night that nine church members were treated and discharged. And those three are still in the hospital. The identification of the victims in the mortuary will take place this morning in Richards Bay Mortuary."
The MEC's office will also reportedly work with the elders of the church and families to ensure that the victims are given a dignified funeral.
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