Six members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) died in a taxi accident on Saturday while traveling on the R74 Kranskop Road in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

The group was on its way from Estcourt to Nkandla to attend an event honoring Sizakele Khumalo Zuma, the first wife of former president Jacob Zuma.

Chief Provincial Inspector Andre Horner of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) reported that the vehicle was carrying 17 passengers. “Five females have been confirmed dead, with 10 others seriously injured.

The vehicle is believed to have suffered brake failure, lost control, hit a barrier, and caught fire,” he said. An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela expressed deep sorrow, stating: “We send our deepest condolences to the families. Our members died with their boots on, fighting for the economic emancipation of our people. We will continue their struggle.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal also offered condolences and called for a thorough investigation to prevent similar tragedies