A heart-wrenching farewell was held in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 18 May 2025, as nine members of the Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church of Zion were laid to rest following a devastating car accident. The victims, seven women and two men, tragically lost their lives in a road crash in Empangeni on Sunday, 11 May—coinciding with Mother’s Day.
The mass funeral took place at Silethukuthula High School in Mtubatuba, where grieving families, church members, and members of the wider community gathered to pay their respects. Dressed in church regalia, mourners filled the large marquee erected for the solemn occasion.
The victims were returning home from a church service when their minibus taxi was struck from behind by a tow truck. The collision led to the instant loss of nine lives: Makhosi Magwaza (57), Celiwe Zikhali (55), Dudu Mthembu (52), Winnie Mkhwanazi (52), Cabangile Mavundla (52), Qhamukile Khumalo (40), Sihle Ndamase (24), Mphikiseni Sithole (57), and Bongani Ndlovu (46).
Although most victims were buried in Mtubatuba, the Mkhwanazi family chose to bury their loved one, Winnie, in Nongoma, also in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Among the grieving relatives was Mqobi Msweli, who lost his mother in the crash. Still reeling from the loss, he shared his heartbreak. “Mother’s Day will never be the same for me after this. It will be a constant reminder that this was the day my mother left me,” he said, fighting back tears.
The tragedy has sparked public outcry and renewed calls for road safety. Attending the funeral were Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa and the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlement, accompanied by local municipal officials. They expressed their condolences and pledged accountability.
Deputy Minister Hlengwa stated that legal proceedings were underway, with a full investigation promised into the actions of the drivers of both the tow truck and the Hyundai vehicle involved in the incident.
“This tragedy has brought deep sorrow not only to the families but also to the community and the entire nation. The law must take its course,” Hlengwa affirmed.
As songs of worship and mourning echoed through the venue, the emotional weight of the day was felt by all in attendance. For many, especially the congregants of Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church of Zion, the day marked an unimaginable loss.
The tragic crash serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for heightened road safety awareness, particularly during holiday periods when traffic volume often increases.
The community continues to rally around the bereaved families, offering prayers and support as they navigate the difficult days ahead. The memory of the nine faithful church members will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.