Johannesburg – Several members of the African National Congress (ANC) have perished in a bus accident in Dumbe, KwaZulu-Natal in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Earlier, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a terse statement: “Police and various emergency services are at the scene of a bus accident on the R33 between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg in KZN.
“According to a preliminary report, the bus was coming from the Moses Mabhida Stadium when it overturned.
“Eight people have so far been confirmed dead and scores injured.
“Those that are injured have been taken to various hospitals in the area for medical care.”
Commenting on the horror bus crash, the ANC said it has, “received with profound shock the news of the untimely passing of our members from Mpumalanga province”.
The ANC added: “Tragically, our comrades were involved in a bus accident in Dumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of the morning while returning from the ANC’s highly successful launch of our elections manifesto – Mayihlome Rally 2024”.
There are reports of several fatalities and a number of comrades in critical condition, the ANC said.
The governing party said Comrade Nomagugu Simelane, the Deputy Chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal, and party provincial leadership of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal were en route to the accident scene.
They will also visit hospitals, where they will visit the injured comrades and meet with the families affected.
“Our comrades exemplified an unwavering commitment to the ANC by responding to the rallying call of Mayihlome,” said the ANC.
“It is a true tragedy that there be such a loss of lives after such a memorable day.
“Their selflessness and commitment to building a better future for generations to come will forever be remembered.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed Comrades, their relatives, and friends.
“We also wish those injured a speedy recovery. Further updates will be issued during the course of today. May our dear comrades’ souls rest in eternal peace.”
However, Brigadier Mathe later said another person had succumbed to their injuries in hospital bringing the total number of people killed in the bus crash to nine.
