Three young men killed after bakkie rolls on N2
The community of Xukwane, in Middledrift, is reeling after the death of three young men in a horrific accident on the N2 between East London and Qonce on Saturday afternoon.
Twenty-one boys were travelling with two adults in a bakkie when the accident happened. It is believed the driver lost control and the vehicle veered off the road and rolled.
Raymond Mhlaba local municipality ward 1 councillor Nonkoliso Ruselo said the deceased were Phaphama Toyo, Sanele Gqozo and Akhanani Kuse, all aged 18.
“They attended a dancing ceremony for their friend who was going to initiation school in Mdantsane at the weekend.
“The village is shocked and in disbelief. Some of the boys who were involved in the accident were also set to undergo the circumcision rite this summer.
“This is so painful for the village and as the leader I am doing all I can to assist the families,” Ruselo said.
Shocked motorists drove past the accident scene took to social media to describe it.
“This accident left me with headache when I was driving there,” one user said.
Ruselo said all the families had been informed of the boys’ deaths.
“We are going to meet at Nozalisile High School on Monday to discuss funeral preparations and everything related to the accident,” she said.
Monde Kondile, Akhanani ’ s uncle, said the family was shattered.
“We are in disbelief. What a great and smart boy Akhanani was. He loved his family.
“This is so painful, but we will have to be strong as the family,” Kondile said.
Provincial health spokesperson Yonela Dekeda confirmed that three people had died when the bakkie rolled.
She said 20 people, including the adults, had been treated at Grey Hospital for moderate to minor injuries.
“Nineteen were treated and discharged with minor injuries and one was admitted.”