Traditional head in fatal crash rap

A SENIOR traditional leader in the Eastern Cape is facing charges of culpable homicide after he was involved in a car accident earlier this month in which two people died.

Chief Mfundo Bhovulengwe Mtirara was driving on the N2 near Payne Village about 10km from Mthatha on February 3 when his car crashed into two pedestrians.

Mthatha police spokeswoman Captain Dineo Koena confirmed that police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.

Mtirara, cousin and spokesman of jailed Thembu King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, said he had been left traumatised by the incident.

“I curse the day the accident happened and I wish I can bring back the life of the two people,” said Mtirara.

“It was on a rainy Friday night at about 8pm when the accident happened.

“One of the two men unfortunately died in hospital the same night.”

He said the second man died later after spending almost a week in hospital.

“I am facing charges of culpable homicide but I have not yet appeared in court.”

Mtirara was slightly injured in the accident. He said he had approached the families of the deceased to offer assistance towards burial costs of the two men.

The two men who were friends are said to have been crossing the busy N2 on their way home.