A horrific head-on collision along the Nhlangano-Manzini public road near Single Tree in Eswatini has left families of Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC) employees reeling as they try to identify their loved ones. The accident involved a Toyota Cross with four occupants, all ESRIC employees, and a VW Polo with three occupants, including a teacher and his two family members. The crash resulted in the deaths of six people, with one ESRIC employee, Delisa Sikhondze, 27, surviving.
The deceased ESRIC employees have been identified as Meluleki Ndlandla, 33, of Nkiliji, who was driving; Sakhile Dlamini, 30, of Ludzeludze; and Nothando Mthande, 45, of Madonsa. The VW Polo was being driven by Somnjalose High School teacher Lucky Simelane, who died along with his younger brother, Ngcebo, 19, a first-year student at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, and their uncle, Mduduzi Simelane, 52.
Families of the victims visited the Nhlangano Health Centre mortuary to identify their loved ones, but the process was difficult due to the severe burns sustained by the victims. Some family members struggled to recognize the corpses, with Sakhile's elder brother, Vuyani Dlamini, saying his sibling had suffered extensive burns, making it difficult for the family to identify him. The family eventually identified Sakhile by his toes.
The Ludzeludze Young Brothers FC, a soccer club where Sakhile Dlamini was a player, has expressed its condolences to the Dlamini family, describing Sakhile as more than a player, but a teammate, brother, and valued member of the club family. The club said his sudden death had left a deep void among his teammates and the wider club family.
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology has confirmed that Ngcebo Simelane, 19, was a registered student pursuing a bachelor of science in information technology. The university has extended its condolences to his family, classmates, and the wider university community, describing him as a dedicated student who would be remembered by his peers and lecturers.
Somnjalose High School teacher Lucky Simelane will be laid to rest on Saturday, following a memorial service held at the school hall on Friday. The school has described him as a dedicated educator who had touched the lives of learners and colleagues through his kindness, humility, and commitment to education.
The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has conveyed its condolences to Simelane's family, colleagues, and friends for their loss. ESRIC has also mourned the trio killed in the crash, with the incident serving as a reminder of the risks and uncertainties of life.
Key points
- The head-on collision resulted in the deaths of six people, including three ESRIC employees and three members of a family.
- Families of the victims struggled to identify their loved ones due to severe burns sustained in the accident.
- The incident has elicited an outpouring of condolences from various organizations, including the Ludzeludze Young Brothers FC, Limkokwing University, and Somnjalose High School.
