Councillors from King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality in Mthatha hosted a memorial service today, 26 August at the Mthatha Stadium for nine victims who passed away in a horrific bus crash in the Kei Cuttings, between East London and Butterworth on 16 August.
According to municipal spokesperson, Sonwabo Mampoza, these victims lived in the KSD Municipal area.
“We decided to host this memorial service to show love and support to the families who were affected by this pain,” said Mampoza.
These victims were among the 31 passengers who passed away in this accident.
One the survivors, Sandile Gawuzela (44), confirmed that he was travelling with his wife, Ntombodidi Gawuzela (39) and their son, Unabantu (3).
He said when they were in Bisho, they noticed that there was something wrong with the bus. “We asked the driver if he noticed anything. He told us that if they choose to wait for another bus it could take a week to arrive, so we must just be patient,” said Gawuzela.
He added that when they were in the Kei Cuttings, the bus overturned.
“I then crawled to get out of the bus, the first person I saw was my son. I called him by his name, but he did not respond. When I looked at him I saw that he was no more. I was then worried about my wife.
“While I was still searching for her, the ambulance took me to hospital. I was (later) discharged and went to look for her in the mortuary – that’s where I found her body,” Gawuzela said.
- Ayabulela Dunjana (18), Mihlali Mabena (18) and Ohlule Dunjana (3)
- Nwabisa Mgxekwa (34)
- Sixolisiwe Mqeteba (28)
- Ntombodidi Gawuzela (39) and her son Unabantu (3)
- Unathi Ngombane (32)
- Zintle Nyonyoba (23)
