B Cele at memorial service of accident victims

8 June 2006

All protocol observed. Today we are reminded about the gruesome death of
eleven people who were killed last Thursday, 1 June 2006 in a road crash
involving a taxi and a truck on the intersection of the M35 and Old Main Road
at Isipingo. According to a witness from the truck involved in the collision,
the driver of the truck applied brakes but the brakes failed. A taxi crossed
over the robot intersection from east to west turning into Isipingo. The truck
then hit the centre island and robot and collided with the taxi. On impact the
taxi burst into flames and eleven people burnt to death inside the taxi.

Five other people were allegedly rescued from the taxi by the truck
assistant. On the day of the crash I personally visited the scene, and we also
visited the survivors at hospital. On 31 December 2005 (New Year’s Eve) nine
people were killed in a road crash between a Toyota Camry, minibus taxi and a
bus on the R102 intersection between Old Main Road and Saunders Road also here
at Isipingo. I would like to express my sincere condolences to all the bereaved
families during this time of extreme grief. The names of the deceased are as
follows:

1. Thembani Mzolo (43)
2. Sizakele Mbhele (55)
3. Thandani Mbili (56)
4. Gugile Khuzwayo (49)
5. Immelda Ngcobo (33)
6. Siphesihle Gcaba (31)
7. Muzikayise Dlamini (30)
8. Philisiwe Sabelo (27)
9. Diana Hadebe (56)
10. Silindile Lembede (30)
11. Ayanda Ngidi (18)
“May their souls rest in peace”

It is reported that the driver of the truck ran away from the scene and
police investigations into this crash are continuing. The safety of our people
is one of the key priorities of our government. I therefore want to repeat
myself to all drivers to comply with all road rules or face the full might of
the law. In conclusion, we as government will continue to do everything
possible to assist the affected families in whatever way we can during these
difficult moments.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 June 2006
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)