Joint memorial set for 11 killed in Isipingo crash
A memorial service for the 11 people who were killed in a devastating truck and taxi collision in Isipingo will take place on Thursday.
Image: Supplied
KWAZULU-NATAL will come together on Thursday to honour the lives of the 11 people who died in a devastating crash on the R102 in Lotus Park, Isipingo, with a joint memorial and prayer service set to take place at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
The memorial follows the accident on Wanda Cele Road, where a truck with worn-out tyres collided with an overloaded taxi travelling to Illovo on the south coast.
The victims have been identified as:
Bangeni Shange (69) – Port Shepstone
Zinhle Ntshangase (33) – Umzimkhulu
Pamela Mangqasane (66) – Eastern Cape
Nompumelelo Mteshana (34) – Harding
Talethe Joyce Khwela (43) – Mfume
Nteboheng Mkhize (51) – uMgababa
Sonwabile Nokwebuza (58) – Eastern Cape
Maqhawe Sosibo (33) – Bulwer
Samukele Sithole (18) – Umlazi
Mcebo Gumede (36) – Umlazi (eGolokodo)
Nkululeko Mkhize (48) – Adams Mission
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, announced the memorial after meeting with the victims’ families and confirming that all 11 families have now been traced, with the final family located on Tuesday afternoon.
Although families have opted to bury their loved ones individually, Duma said they supported the idea of a collective memorial to honour all the victims.
“We wish to announce that families expressed their wish to bury their loved ones individually. However, a joint memorial and prayer service will be held to honour all the victims,” Duma said.
The memorial service will take place on Thursday, February 5, at 10:30am. Provincial chaplain Viva Mpungose, together with departmental chaplains, ambassadors and interfaith leaders, will lead prayers.
“We invite the people of KwaZulu-Natal to attend the memorial service and be support pillars for the families,” Duma added.
He described the circumstances surrounding the crash as shocking for both officials and the families, and confirmed that a full investigation is under way. The South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), is probing the incident.
“We welcome the confirmation by SAPS and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy that an inquiry is underway. No stone must be left unturned,” said Duma.
He also praised the professionalism of the Isipingo SAPS investigating officer, noting the close cooperation with the department during the identification process at Park Rynie Mortuary.
The department has been instructed to remain actively involved in supporting families as they prepare to lay their loved ones to rest.