A sombre cloud hangs over the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) following a fatal single-vehicle accident involving a vehicle from President Velenkosini Hlabisa’s security detail.
The accident, which occurred on Saturday, 11 January 2025, at approximately 4:30 pm on the N2 northbound near Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal, tragically claimed the life of the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Confirmation of the incident came from IFP spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. In a statement, Hlengwa conveyed the party's deep sorrow: "An IFP fleet vehicle assigned to the IFP president was involved in a single-vehicle fatal accident. Tragically, the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time, was declared deceased at the scene."
Hlengwa emphasised the party’s respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time, stating: "Out of respect for the family's privacy as they notify other relatives, the name of the deceased will not be disclosed at this time. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear and are currently under investigation."
The IFP President, Minister Hlabisa, personally visited the bereaved family on Saturday evening to offer his condolences and break the devastating news. Hlengwa added, "The IFP extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the IFP president and his security team during this difficult time."
Further details emerged from IPSS Medical Rescue, who attended the scene. IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick described the incident: "The vehicle had been travelling on the N2, near Stanger on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, when the 35-year-old driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to roll several times. Sadly, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased on scene. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased."
While initial reports linked Minister Hlabisa to the accident, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Ministry swiftly clarified that the Minister was unharmed and at home with his family. Pearl Maseko-Binqose, media liaison officer for Minister Hlabisa, issued a statement expressing the Minister’s sympathy: "Minister Hlabisa sends his deepest sympathies to the grieving family during this difficult time," she said, adding a plea for the family's privacy to be respected.
The precise cause of the accident remains unknown, and a full investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy. The IFP has confirmed that the vehicle involved was part of the President's assigned fleet.
The party and the Minister have reiterated their commitment to supporting the family of the deceased driver during this period of profound grief. The loss of the driver is deeply felt within the IFP and the wider community, underscoring the human cost of such incidents.
In a separate crash on the R47 in Stanger, IPSS Medical Rescue responded to a head on collision between a light motor vehicle and a taxi.
"The collision had left 21 people injured, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Patients were transported to various facilities for further care," Meyrick said.
In a separate crash on the R47 in Stanger, IPSS Medical Rescue responded to a head on collision between a light motor vehicle and a taxi.
"The collision had left 21 people injured, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Patients were transported to various facilities for further care," Meyrick said.
