The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is mourning the deaths of six of its members who died in a taxi accident on Saturday.
It is reported the members were part of a group that was travelling on the R74 Kranskop Road in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands from Estcourt to Nkandla.
They were reportedly on their way to attend an event honouring the first wife of former president Jacob Zuma, Sizakele Khumalo Zuma.
Road Traffic Information (RTI) Chief Provincial Inspector, Andre Horner, said there were 17 passengers in the vehicle.
“(The) Vehicle was travelling from Estcourt to Nkandla and there were 17 passengers including the driver. It’s confirmed that there were five females deceased, 10 females are seriously injured as well as one not that serious. It is alleged that the cause of the accident is that the vehicle had brake failure and lost control, hit cash barrier and caught alight of the roadway. Police are still investigating,” he said.
On Sunday, MK Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said even though the party is deeply saddened by the tragedy, it will never forget the contribution made by the members who perished with their boots on.
“The MKP is deeply saddened by the passing of the six members in a tragic accident, when a taxi they were travelling in burnt with them trapped inside... Whilst we can never fully dissect the anatomy of the pain caused by such grief, we as the leaders of the party send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to their next of kin and further assure their families that we will support them during these trying times.
“Our members were not cowards. They died with their boots on in the frontline of the struggle for the economic emancipation of our people. As the MKP, we salute their bravery and we shall pick up the spear and continue the battle,” Ndhlela said.
The EFF in the province also sent its condolences to the MK Party members in a statement on Saturday, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, friends, and the entire MK Party community. We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of this accident and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such tragedies.”
The Star