Durban – In a heartbreaking incident, eight members of a single family tragically lost their lives while traveling to a wedding when their minibus taxi overturned and tumbled down an embankment in Mandaba, Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families impacted by the road accident in Mandaba, Nkandla,” expressed KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma in a concise statement on Monday, (30 December 2024).

“Eight family members sadly perished after their taxi overturned and rolled down the embankment.”

“It is truly tragic that these individuals were heading out to celebrate a wedding.”

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and Hon Sizophila Mkhize, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, visited the scene of the accident to support the grieving family and the local community.

“We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the five individuals involved in a head-on collision with a South African Police Service vehicle on Mondlo Road near Vryheid,” added MEC Duma.

“We have dispatched a team from the department to reach out to the bereaved families in Nkandla and Vryheid.”

“Earlier today, two individuals lost their lives and others were injured in a taxi accident on the N2 Southbound at Spaghetti Junction.”

RELATED: Spaghetti Junction Tragedy: 2 Dead After Minibus Taxi Crashes Into Barriers, Rolls – The Bulrushes

In a separate tragic traffic incident, one person lost their life and multiple others were injured when a bus overturned on the R618 Hlabisa Road near the Hluhluwe Game Reserve Gate, en route to uMtubatuba.

It is reported that the bus driver lost control due to brake failure.

“Our dedicated Road Traffic Inspectorate team is devastated by the recent surge of road accidents leading to the loss of innocent lives,” remarked MEC Duma.

“Regrettably, these accidents have transpired following a significant decrease in fatalities recorded between 1 December 2024 and 27 December 2024, in comparison to the same period last year.”

“We continue to urge all motorists to practice increased vigilance while driving.”