TRAGEDY IN MZUMBE: SIX FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN HORRIFIC CAR ACCIDENT

The eCabhane community in uMzumbe, located along KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast, is mourning after a devastating car accident claimed the lives of six members of the Gumede family. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Monday along the Scottburgh freeway, leaving the community shocked and deeply shaken.

According to reports, the Gumede family had been returning home after visiting relatives in uMzumbe when their vehicle was involved in the fatal crash. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but the impact has been described as severe enough to result in multiple fatalities at the scene. The tragedy follows another recent accident in the same region, where eight people lost their lives on the N2 near Scottburgh, further highlighting the dangers of the busy stretch of roadway.

Residents of eCabhane and surrounding areas near Port Shepstone have expressed profound grief as the reality of losing six members of one family sinks in. Community members described the Gumede family as well-known and deeply rooted in the area, making the loss even more painful for neighbours and friends.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, visited the Gumede family on Thursday to offer condolences and assure them of the provincial government’s support. Shinga said she was deeply moved by the scale of the tragedy, which unfolded just moments after the family had spent quality time with loved ones.

“This incident has left us in shock and disbelief,” Shinga said. “Six family members have demised after visiting their loved ones in uMzumbe. This is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is. We stand with the Gumede family and the entire eCabhane community during this time of unimaginable grief.”

To assist the grieving family, Shinga confirmed that a team of social workers had been deployed to provide immediate psychosocial support. These professionals began their work on Tuesday, offering counselling and conducting a detailed household assessment to determine the family’s short-term and long-term needs.

As part of the intervention, the Department of Social Development will be rolling out a Social Relief of Distress programme. This initiative includes providing essential goods such as food parcels and other basic necessities to help ease the family’s burden as they navigate the difficult days ahead.

Shinga emphasised that the department’s involvement would not end with the crisis stage. Ongoing support will be provided to ensure the Gumede family receives sustained assistance as they rebuild and cope with the trauma of their tremendous loss.

The tragic accident has once again raised concerns about road safety on KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast, an area that has seen a surge in deadly crashes in recent months. Community leaders and residents are urging motorists to exercise greater caution, especially as holiday traffic is expected to increase soon.

As eCabhane mourns, messages of support continue to pour in for the Gumede family. Their loss has united the community in grief, reminding many of the value of life and the importance of standing together during times of sorrow.