KZN Crash Leaves 12 EFF Supporters Dead, 38 Others Injured in R34 Accident Between Bus and Truck

• A collision between a truck and a bus has left at least 12 Economic Freedom Fighters supporters dead
• 38 other party supporters, who were travelling back from Youth Day celebrations in Umlazi, were also injured
• Investigations are underway into the cause of the R34 accident, which left 10 people critically injured

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

KWAZULU-NATAL – A deadly crash on the R34 near Vryheid has claimed the lives of at least 12 people.

The deceased, who are believed to be supporters of a political party, were travelling in a bus which collided with a truck.

The incident happened on the R34 near Vryheid in northern KwaZulu-Natal in the early hours of Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

Injured passengers rushed to nearby hospitals

According to reports, at least 38 people were also injured in the collision between the truck and the bus. A total of 10 are said to be in a critical condition, while 22 were seriously injured. Six people suffered minor injuries in the accident.

They were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The drivers of both the truck and the bus survived. The cause of the accident is currently being investigated.

Lwazi Kunene, a journalist for the Vryheid Herald, told Briefly News that the occupants of the bus were members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). They were travelling back from King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, where the party held its Youth Day celebrations on 16 June.

Party leader, Julius Malema, was in attendance for the celebrations in KwaZulu-Natal.

Death toll revised following crash

As investigations into the fatal accident got underway, the official death toll was revealed to be 10 and not 12.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed the new death toll after visiting the crash site, hospitals and mortuaries. The MEC stated that 10 men and three women were killed in the crash.

The MEC also confirmed that thirty-three passengers sustained minor injuries and were able to walk, three were injured, but not critically, and two were in critical condition.

He also noted that there were conflicting reports as to what happened, with some claiming that the bus driver fell asleep, while others stated that he was trying to overtake when the crash happened.

The EFF also extended its condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed in the crash, describing them as heroes.

“These fighters died in the line of duty. They must be remembered as heroes,” the party said in a statement following the horrific collision.

Malema attends memorial service in Vryheid

Briefly News also reported that the EFF president attended the memorial service of party members who died in the accident.

The 10 party members died when a bus collided with a truck on the R34 near Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal on 17 June 2025.

The EFF has also supported the families of the victims and organised a mass funeral for them.

Source: Briefly News