By Doreen Mokgolo
- A family of six including 3-year-old Lwanzi Shabalala were killed when a car collided with a truck.
- Devastated relatives say they said goodbye without knowing it would be the last time they would see their loved ones alive.
A family of six including a 3-year-old toddler died in a motor vehicle accident on the R42 between Heidelberg Road and Meyerton.
They were travelling from Empangeni to a family funeral when the driver allegedly tried to overtake a truck, lost control of the car and crashed into the truck.
All the people in their Ford Fiesta, father David Khehla, 68, mother Alina Malindi, 61, driver Xolani Bucibo, 28, Vangile Malindi, 32, Phindile Malindi, 27 and little Lwanzi Shabalala, 3, were found dead at the scene by the paramedics.
The truck driver survived the accident.
A heartbroken family member Mango Malindi said they are shattered by the devastating loss of six beloved family members.
“They were travelling from the funeral of Lungi Malindi, we said goodbye to them not knowing that it would be the last time that we would see them alive,” he said through tears.
“We were shocked when we received phone calls telling us about the horrific accident. We can’t believe they’re all gone.”
The family had just buried one relative and was heading home.
Malindi added that the family doesn’t know the cause of the accident as police are still investigating the matter and will wait for their report.
“We don’t want to guess what happened, for now we want to focus on the funeral and make sure that they are given a dignified send-off,” he said.
“How do we bury six people at once? Our hearts are broken.”
Gauteng Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that they are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
“No one has been arrested and investigations are underway,” he said.
Pictured above: The deceased family members.
Image source: Supplied by the family
