READ: Over 20 Lives Lost in Devastating Road Accidents Across KwaZulu-Natal in Just Two Days

KwaZulu-Natal has been struck by a series of fatal road accidents between August 3 and August 5, 2025, resulting in more than 20 deaths and leaving families in profound grief. The incidents occurred in separate locations, claiming the lives of children, adults, and entire families, with several others injured and hospitalized.

In Bergville, under the Okhahlamba Local Municipality, a head-on collision on the P288 Rookdale Road on August 3, 2025, killed five people. The victims included Mnotho Mngomezulu, a 2-year-old from Johannesburg known as a Maskandi performer under the stage name Inkunzi Avava or Nkunzavava; Thabile Mahlangu, 21, from Johannesburg; Lungelo Makhungo, 14, from Johannesburg; Musa Mngomezulu from Jozini; and Mavuso Nhlanzeko, a teacher from Bergville. Four of the deceased were dancers associated with Maskandi artist Sibonelo “Khotha” Hlongwane's group, Khotha SA. Three additional individuals sustained critical injuries and remain in hospital care.

Another accident in KwaDlangezwa, under the Umhlathuze Local Municipality, resulted in four fatalities. The victims were three brothers—Sifiso Fakude, 37; Sandile Fakude, 32; and Siphesihle Fakude, 26—along with Sifiso Blose from Nongoma. The brothers' mother survives them, while their father had previously passed away.

On the evening of August 4, 2025, in KwaMpumuza under the Msunduzi Local Municipality near Pietermaritzburg, a taxi lost control, veered off the road, overturned, and collided with a structure, killing seven people. One child was left in intensive care following the crash. Among the deceased was the wife of Xolani Zondi, who was traveling with their 10-year-old grandchild at the time. The incident has prompted renewed emphasis on road safety from the South African National Taxi Council in KwaZulu-Natal, urging drivers to follow traffic regulations strictly.

In response, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, led by MEC Siboniso Duma, has deployed experienced officials to support the affected families with tailored assistance. The department is consulting with relatives to arrange dignified funerals, particularly since some accidents involved multiple deaths, and is coordinating benefits through the Road Accident Fund. Plans for memorial services are being developed in partnership with the families, and social workers from the Department of Social Development will provide ongoing psycho-social support during the grieving process.