MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ZINKWAZI ROAD CRASH VICTIMS, TOMORROW, 12 SEPTEMBER 2002

A memorial service for the victims of Saturday’s horrific road crash which occurred on the N2 near the Zinkwazi off ramp on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast will be held tomorrow, 12th September 2002 at the Eshowe Town Hall, commencing at 10h00.  

Eleven people were killed in this head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bakkie on Saturday morning. 

It was originally stated that there were 12 people who perished in this crash. However, it was established last night that the 12th person is still alive, albeit in a very serious condition, at Wentworth Hospital. There were eight survivors. 

‘I am extremely disturbed by the continuing carnage on our roads despite all the efforts my Department is making to eliminate road abuse. The high number of collisions, deaths and injuries demands a more concerted effort by the public to be vigilant at all times, and to help us remove this scourge that destroys the lives of our people. Together, we need to play our parts in eliminating the bloodshed on our roads,’ said Mr S’bu Ndebele, KZN MEC for Transport.  

The Minister has passed his condolences to the families of the victims, and requests the public and clergy in Eshowe and surrounding areas to attend tomorrow’s service to comfort the families of the deceased. 

‘I wish to call on the public to assist us in identifying four bodies that have still not been identified at the KwaDukuza Mortuary. I also wish to thank the staff of KwaDukuza Hospital for their assistance and co-operation in trying to lessen the grief of the families. This kind of dedication is laudable,’ said Mr Ndebele.  

As a sign of responsibility, the owner of the taxi that was involved in the crash informed the Department that he would engage his insurance to obtain funds to help with the burial costs of his fallen passengers. He said an amount of R5 000 per passenger could be paid toward the funeral costs. This, he said, was part of the regulations of his taxi association, the Durban Long Distance Taxi Association (DLDTA) to take liability for their passengers, drivers and vehicles. 

‘DLDTA is a good example of responsible business practice that cares about their customers. I wish that other associations could follow the same example,’ said the MEC.  

The names of the following deceased have been released: 

Four more bodies, those of two men and two women, still need to be identified.

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