A severe road accident occurred on the R102, also known as Wanda Cele Drive, near Lotus Park in Isipingo, south of Durban, on January 29, 2026. The incident involved a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and an interlink truck at approximately 7:30 a.m. Emergency services responded to reports of the crash, where they found multiple fatalities and injuries at the scene.
Eleven individuals perished in the accident, including a 13-year-old boy who was believed to be en route to school. The deceased consisted of passengers from the minibus taxi. Paramedics from ALS Paramedics confirmed the deaths on site, noting that the victims included one child among the total. Eight additional people sustained serious to critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The minibus taxi was carrying between 17 and 18 passengers at the time of the crash, exceeding its capacity. Investigations revealed that the taxi driver’s Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) had expired in 2023. Preliminary assessments also indicated that the vehicle’s tires may have been worn. The truck driver survived the collision without fatal injuries. The taxi driver was trapped in the wreckage for approximately three hours before being extricated and was reported to be in critical condition following the rescue.
The R102 was closed for several hours following the accident to allow emergency personnel to manage the scene and conduct initial assessments. Motorists were advised to avoid the area during this period.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal, along with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. A joint team comprising officers from various law enforcement agencies was formed to examine the circumstances. The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, confirmed that a comprehensive probe was underway. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, stated that the investigation would be thorough and emphasized the need for accountability.
On February 3, 2026, following meetings with the families of the victims, MEC Duma released the names of the 11 deceased individuals. The victims were identified as:
- Bangeni Shange, aged 69, with funeral arrangements set for Port Shepstone on February 7, 2026.
- Zinhle Ntshangase, aged 33, with funeral in Umzimkhulu on February 7, 2026.
- Pamela Mangqasane, aged 66, a nurse from JMH Isipingo Hospital, with funeral in the Eastern Cape on February 7, 2026.
- Nompumelelo Mteshana, aged 34, with funeral in Harding on February 8, 2026.
- Talethe Joyce Khwela, aged 43, with funeral in Mfume on February 8, 2026.
- Nteboheng Mkhize, aged 51, with funeral in uMgababa on February 7, 2026.
- Sonwabile Nokwebuza, aged 58, with funeral in the Eastern Cape.
- Maqhawe Sosibo, aged 33, with funeral in Bulwer.
- Samukele Sithole, aged 18, with funeral likely in Umlazi on February 7, 2026.
- Mcebo Gumede, aged 36, with funeral in Umlazi, eGolokodo, over the weekend of February 7-8, 2026.
- Nkululeko Mkhize, aged 48, from Adams Mission.
All families were located by February 3, 2026, with the final family contacted that afternoon. Support was provided to the families during the identification process at the Park Rynie Mortuary, coordinated by SAPS officers from Isipingo Police Station and the provincial transport team.
MEC Duma announced that the families preferred individual burials for their loved ones. A mass prayer and memorial service was scheduled for February 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. The event will involve the provincial chaplain, Viva Mpungose, along with other chaplains, ambassadors, and interfaith leaders. Residents of KwaZulu-Natal were invited to attend in support of the affected families.
The crash has prompted calls for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in the province. Authorities confirmed cases of culpable homicide are under investigation, with MEC Duma advocating for murder charges against both drivers involved, citing reckless behavior as a contributing factor to the loss of life.
The RTMC dispatched a specialized team to analyze the accident scene and vehicle conditions. No final determination on the exact cause has been released, but the probe includes reviews of vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and road conditions at the time of the incident.
Woman Arrested in Stabbing Attack on Pregnant Colleague at Phalaborwa Supermarket
Phalaborwa, South Africa – A 39-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a violent stabbing incident at a Shoprite store in Namakgale. The attack targeted a 40-year-old pregnant employee, who sustained multiple stab wounds during her shift.
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 8:50 a.m. According to police reports, the victim was en route to work when she received a phone call from a coworker informing her that a woman was at the store asking for her. Upon arriving, the victim proceeded to the storeroom to retrieve merchandise and began stocking shelves in the main area.
As she worked, the 39-year-old suspect approached her, and the two exchanged brief greetings. Without warning, the suspect pulled out a knife and began stabbing the victim repeatedly, inflicting several wounds across her body.
Store security personnel intervened promptly, subduing the suspect and aiding the injured victim. Authorities and Emergency Medical Services were immediately notified and responded to the scene. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the suspect was taken into custody on-site. Police also confiscated the knife used in the assault.
Initial investigations indicate that the suspect entered the store with intent to harm the victim. She reportedly disguised her actions by placing groceries, including a set of knives, into a shopping trolley. She then selected one knife in preparation for the attack before confronting the victim.
While the exact motive remains under investigation, a source familiar with the case suggested that the incident may stem from both women being romantically involved with the same man.
The suspect made her first court appearance at the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 2, 2026, where she faced formal charges of attempted murder. The case is ongoing, with further details expected as the investigation progresses.
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Tragic N2 Collision Results in Six Fatalities in Mtubatuba
MTUBATUBA, South Africa – A collision on the N2 highway in the Inkosi Mtubatuba local municipality claimed the lives of six members of the Mnyango family on Friday night. The incident involved a Corsa vehicle and a truck.
The deceased have been identified as Mama Nokuphakama Mnyango, also known as MaMdletshe, aged 85; Mama Makhosi kaMnyango Mthembu, aged 52; Mvuyani Gcaleka, aged 43; Senamile Buthelezi, aged 29; Banzi Buthelezi, aged 6; and Ayanda Pearl Mthembu. One young girl initially survived the crash with serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment, but she later died from those injuries.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation by authorities. Emergency response teams, including the disaster team from the Inkosi Mtubatuba local municipality, emergency health services, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and the South African Police Service (SAPS), attended the scene despite challenging conditions.
KwaZulu-Natal transport and human settlements MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed the details of the incident. A team from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and human settlements office, along with departmental religious leaders, is scheduled to visit the Mnyango family on Monday at 1 p.m. to offer support and assistance with funeral arrangements. The delegation will be accompanied by local councillor Prosper Gumbi from the Umfolozi local municipality.
In a statement, Duma noted that the department had hoped the injured girl would recover, but she did not. He also acknowledged the efforts of the disaster team, emergency health services, Road Traffic Inspectorate, and SAPS in handling the response.
