Families mourn victims of Isipingo taxi collision

FAMILY members of the seven people killed on the M35 in Isipingo, south of Durban, were visibly stricken at a memorial service at a sports ground in Isipingo on Thursday.

Thembisile Mkhize, Malanga Ndaba, Nompumelelo Nguse, Thandeka Mkhize, driver Phumlani Mathonsi, Mbuso Mbhele and Balungile Khumalo were killed on Saturday night when the taxi they were travelling in collided with a truck and other vehicles.

Four of the victims were returning from work at Pick n Win Discount Supermarket in Isipingo while two women were fruit and vegetable vendors outside the supermarket. They all took the same taxi every day to return home.

Simangele Makhonza, spokesperson for the Mbhele family, said Mbhele, 42, had been the breadwinner. She recalled the moment the family received the news.

“We received a call around 9pm on that day, telling us to rush to the scene. We were told that there was an accident at the robots. We rushed

there and as we stepped out of the car, we literally bumped into our father’s body. His T-shirt was torn and his shoes were scattered on the road and he was cold. We knew he was gone,” said Makhonza.

Mbhele’s daughter, Amina Mbhele, 19, said: “He left that morning while I was still in bed but I could vaguely hear him telling my sister’s child to not be naughty or play outside but stay in the house. I still can’t believe I will not see him again. It feels like a dream that I will still wake up from.”

Sinethemba Ndaba said the family was heartbroken over Malanga’s death.

Some of the victims were buried yesterday and others will be laid to rest today.

Boy Zondi, provincial chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council said they have been supporting the families of the victims.

Law enforcement authorities in the province have launched an investigation into the collision.