DailySun
Durban – A bus accident has left at least 22 members of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) injured.
The IFP supporters were traveling from Gauteng to Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to attend the party’s 50th anniversary celebrations when their bus overturned on the R34 near Vryheid.
Fortunately, there were no deaths reported, although three passengers suffered serious injuries that necessitated hospitalization.
Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene to assist those harmed.
During a statement issued from the Marriahill Toll Plaza on Sunday (23 March 2025), KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma commented: “Regrettably, as we wrap up the long weekend, I received word from our dedicated Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team concerning a bus accident on the R34 near Vryheid.”
He noted that the incident took place between 06:00 and 06:30 on Sunday morning.
“According to RTI, a bus belonging to Sun Coaches Bus Company, that was carrying IFP supporters, has overturned. The latest preliminary report we received at 09:30 indicates that the bus driver was speeding, and he will not be shown leniency,” he added.
“We aim to set a precedent to clearly convey this message: Alufakwa KwaZulu-Natal – there is zero tolerance in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Following the bus accident, MEC Duma provided the following medical codes:
- 🔵 No Blue Code – Thankfully, there are no fatalities reported among the passengers.
- 🔴 3 x Red Code – Passengers are critically injured and may face a risk of death due to their injuries.
- 🟡 8 x Yellow Code – Passengers are seriously injured.
- 🟢 11 x Green Code – Injured passengers who are able to walk.
In the meantime, IFP supporters have gathered at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Regional Stadium for the party’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Referring to another incident on the roads, MEC Duma stated: “Last night, we unfortunately received reports from RTI regarding a head-on collision on the R61 near Wild Coast Sun on the South Coast.”
“Tragically, three people lost their lives in that terrible accident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.”
MEC Duma reported that one individual sustained critical injuries.
Three others who were injured are currently receiving medical attention.
“Preliminary reports suggest that a VW car and a Toyota Tazz were racing, which led to a head-on collision with a Toyota Yaris,” said MEC Duma.
“The road was closed for three hours. I have instructed the RTI to take strict measures against reckless driving and speeding.
“We are currently conducting a roadblock at the Marriahill Toll Plaza.
“This morning, we observed a significant number of vehicles departing from Durban and KZN for other provinces.
“Throughout this long weekend, there was a notable increase in traffic to KZN, particularly to Durban, with over 1,000 vehicles recorded per hour on Thursday and Friday afternoons.”
