KZN TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS IN PLANE CRASH

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S’bu Ndebele has expressed his shock at the death of Mr Sathish Jaggernath (50), Acting Director of Communications in the KZN Transport Department, who was killed in a plane crash at about 19h00 just outside Pietermartizburg last night.

Mr Jaggernath together with four other colleagues from the KZN Department of Transport were on their way back from a cultural festival in Limpopo Province. The plane crashed near Wartburg just outside Pietermartizburg in rainy, misty and overcast weather conditions. The exact cause of the crash is still unknown and is being investigated by the Aviation Authorities and the South African Police Services.

Visiting the family at their home in Merebank today, Ndebele described Sathish as "a writer, a social worker, a communicator, an intellectual, a freedom fighter and moreover, a committed community worker".

The injured are Mr Chris Hlabisa – Chief Director: Implementation, Mr Thabang Chiloane – Chief Director: Public Safety and Communication, Mr Howard Bennett: Director – Research and Ms Nomthi Xaba – Manager: Office of the HOD. The pilot of the plane was also injured.

All the injured were admitted to St. Annes Hospital in Pietermartizburg where they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Mr Jaggernath is survived by his wife, his mum and two children. MEC Ndebele has also expressed his condolences to the family of Mr Jaggernath and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

Mr Jaggernath’s funeral will be held tomorrow (Sunday, 2002-12-01) at the Merebank Community Centre, Dharwar Road, Merebank, Durban commencing at 12h30 and will be later cremated at the Mobeni Crematorium. Key speakers at the funeral will include MEC Ndebele and other activists who will pay their last respects to a close confidant.

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