KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has instructed officials from his department to ensure that the victims of the N2 road crash in Mtubatuba are accorded a dignified funeral.
Six members of the Mnyango family died, following a collision involving a family vehicle, a Corsa, and a truck along the N2 in the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality on Friday, 30 January 2026.
Initially, one young girl survived the crash and was admitted to hospital with serious injuries. However, she later succumbed to her injuries, bringing the death toll to six.
“We were nursing a hope that the brave girl, who sustained serious injuries, was going to survive. Sadly, she has departed,” said Duma.
Following the accident, the MEC deployed a departmental team, accompanied by religious leaders, to support the family and engage on funeral arrangements to ensure that the deceased are laid to rest with dignity.
In a statement issued on Monday, Duma said the family had indicated their wish to hold the funeral on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at 09:00 at Mawombe Stadium, Ward 11, Umfolozi Local Municipality.
“I have received a report from the team we assigned to be closer to the Mnyango family. I have mandated officials from the department to attend to every detail and ensure a dignified funeral,” Duma said.
Surviving family members are expected to identify the deceased at the Empangeni mortuary on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
Describing the identification process as deeply traumatic, the MEC said departmental chaplains had been deployed to provide spiritual support.
He expressed appreciation to Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga for assigning social workers to offer psychosocial support to the bereaved family.
The Mtubatuba crash occurred shortly after another deadly accident in Lotus Park, Isipingo, involving a truck and a minibus taxi, which claimed the lives of 11 people, including a learner.
According to the reports, the Isipingo crash occurred after the truck driver allegedly made a U-turn, resulting in a head-on collision.
The accidents come despite the province recording a historic 18% decrease in road fatalities during the festive season. – SAnews.gov.za
