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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is deeply saddened by the tragic crash involving a taxi and a truck on the N2 at KwaShikishela, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed 11 lives and left eight people injured.

The taxi was reportedly transporting Maskandi music lovers returning to their homes in Mtubatuba and Big Five Hlabisa after attending a Maskandi festival hosted by artist Sgwebo in Melmoth, uMthonjaneni. The truck involved in the collision was reportedly travelling towards the uMfolozi sugar mill.

IFP President Hon. Velenkosini Hlabisa extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery.

“Too many road tragedies are preventable. South Africans cannot continue to lose their lives through avoidable negligence. The safety of commuters must never be compromised,” said Hlabisa.

The IFP calls for an urgent, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities must establish whether the taxi or the truck were roadworthy, properly maintained and compliant with all road traffic and public transport safety regulations.

Where negligence, regulatory breaches or mechanical failures are found, those responsible must face decisive legal action. Accountability must extend beyond the driver.

Issued by IFP Chief Whip in the National Assembly Nhlanhla Hadebe