A devastating road accident in northern KwaZulu-Natal has left the Ntombela family in mourning after five of their loved ones tragically lost their lives. The fatal crash occurred on Sunday night in Gingindlovu, claiming the lives of a grandmother, her daughter, two grandchildren, and a son-in-law.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Makhosi Ntombela (60)
- Thuli Dlamini (42)
- Sipho Zungu (6)
- Abenathi Ntombela (9 months)
- Kaserol Michael (son-in-law)
The family was travelling from Nongoma to Durban in a Hyundai Grand i10 when their vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a white Ford Ranger. According to reports, there were eight passengers in the Hyundai, and only three survived the crash. The Ford Ranger, which carried four occupants, managed to escape with all its passengers surviving the tragic incident.
A Family Torn Apart
The sudden loss of five family members has left the community of Mahlabathini, near Ulundi, reeling with grief. What was meant to be a normal trip turned into an unthinkable tragedy that claimed three generations of the Ntombela family. From a 9-month-old infant to a 60-year-old grandmother, the crash has left an irreplaceable void.
As the community tries to come to terms with the heartbreaking news, the surviving family members are being comforted and supported by relatives, friends, and local leaders. The funeral service for the five deceased family members will be held on Saturday, 26 July, at Mjibha Sports Fields in Mahlabathini.
Road Safety Concerns
This tragedy has reignited concerns over road safety, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where accidents have claimed countless lives in recent months. Residents are raising questions about what more can be done to prevent such horrific incidents.
High-speed driving, reckless overtaking, and a lack of visible law enforcement on the roads are among the issues often cited as contributors to road carnage in the province. Many community members have called for stricter traffic regulations and frequent road safety campaigns, urging both drivers and authorities to act before more families are shattered by preventable crashes.
A Community in Mourning
The Ntombela family is now preparing for a heartbreaking farewell. The double blow of losing both adults and children in the same incident has left many community members describing this as one of the most painful tragedies they have ever witnessed.
Messages of support and condolences have poured in on social media, with many people urging the public to keep the Ntombela family in their prayers during this difficult time. The loss of so many lives in a single moment serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life is and how critical road safety remains.
May the souls of Makhosi Ntombela, Thuli Dlamini, Sipho Zungu, baby Abenathi Ntombela, and Kaserol Michael rest in eternal peace. 🕯️
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