6 MK Party Members Killed, 10 Injured in KZN Taxi Crash, EFF Offers Condolences

• A fully loaded taxi ferrying 16 MK Party members overturned and caught fire in KwaZulu-Natal, killing six and injuring 10
• The party offered condolences to the families of the accident victims, with the EFF in the province also offering sympathy
• National organiser Floyd Shivambu announced that the party would pay the families compassionate visits on Sunday
• Shivambu told Briefly News late on Sunday that the party had fulfilled the planned sympathy visits to the deceased's homes

DURBAN — Six uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party members died in a fatal minibus taxi accident along the notoriously dangerous Ntunjambili bends on Saturday.

The accident reportedly happened between Estcourt and Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, en route to a commemorative event.

6 MK Party members killed, 10 injured in crash

The taxi overturned and caught alight with 16 passengers on board. Six people were killed and 10 were injured.

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MK Party released a statement expressing sadness over the tragic accident.

"The accident happened at about 11:00 on the way to KwaDakw'udunuse to attend a celebratory event. Ten other injured members were rushed to the hospital for further medical care and monitoring," said the party.

"The party leadership sends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the next of kin [of the deceased] and further assures them they will receive our full support during these trying times."

Shivambu pay compassionate visits

National organiser Floyd Shivambu posted to his X account on Saturday that the party would pay compassionate visits to the deceased's homes.

"We are deeply saddened and will visit the families on Sunday, 1 September 2024," he wrote.

Shivambu confirmed to Briefly News late on Sunday that he had undertaken the compassionate visits as planned.

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"We visited all [the] bereaved families of the six [deceased] comrades. They all came from Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality in Uthukela region, and they [were] active members of [the] MK Party and MK Women’s League," he told Briefly News.

EFF KZN branch expresses sorrow

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the province also expressed its condolences.

"We are saddened by the unfortunate event and understand that the loss of life in such sudden and tragic circumstances is deeply painful. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, friends, and the entire MK Party community during this difficult time," the party said.

"We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of this accident and ensure that the appropriate measures are taken to prevent [similar] tragedies in the future."

EF leader killed in police crossfire in Johannesburg

In related news, Briefly News reported that an EFF deputy secretary in Johannesburg was killed in a crossfire during a protest in Alexandra township.

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EFF regional leader Moshe Mphahlele died after being struck by a bullet as police dispersed a disgruntled crowd that had gathered, EWN reported.

Source: Briefly News