Dancers’ death toll rises to 13!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInCelebsDancers’ death toll rises to 13!By: Jabulani Langa • 01 OctAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandThe 13 dancers who lost their lives in the tragic minibus taxi crash. (supplied ) Families mourn as DNA delays hinder burials of crash victimsTHE death toll of dancers involved in a horrific crash between a minibus taxi and a truck has risen to 13.

The tragedy struck on Sunday morning, 27 September on the N2 in Mtubatuba, KZN, when the dancers were returning home to eMdletsheni from the Isibaya Ingoma Festival in Empangeni.

Their minibus collided with a sugarcane truck and burst into flames. Eleven people were declared dead at the scene, with some burnt beyond recognition, while others were rushed to hospital, where two more succumbed to their injuries.

The dancers had performed at Saturday’s event, which was divided into two phases: traditional dance and maskandi music.

In their final performance, they showcased their talent during the traditional dance segment and later performed alongside popular maskandi star Mkhathazi Nsibande during the maskandi festival before departing separately.

The KZN Department of Transport has confirmed the names of the 13 deceased dancers, although some still need official DNA confirmation due to severe burn injuries.

Nhlonipho Cosmos “2Stabane” Dlamini (32), Thobani Mvumeleni Kunene (33), Alibongwe Sanele Vilane (22), Sgcino Mhlengi Gumede (18), Samkelo Mthethwa (17), Bhekindoda Caiphus Mfeka, Skhumbuzo Sizwe Shandu, Siyabonga Mngomezulu, Sfundo Mnguni, Njabulo Thabethe (21) – awaiting DNA confirmation, Fanele Dlamini (21) – awaiting DNA confirmation, Malwande Gama – awaiting DNA confirmation, Owami Xulu – awaiting DNA confirmation.

Among those who passed on is 2Stabane, the dancers’ leader who choreographed Mkhathazi’s performances and trained dancers.

KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

“We will ask God to receive their souls while celebrating their efforts in promoting and preserving Ingoma and Maskandi – the indigenous dance and music that capture our culture.

“Maskandi and Ingoma combined have the potential of enhancing the province’s identity and our distinctiveness,” he said.

Duma said the departmental team assigned to support families during this difficult period has reported that all families are extremely traumatised.

“What is even more painful is that some families are unable to bury their loved ones this weekend because of severe burn wounds.

“Consequently, we are guided by processes undertaken by the South African Police Service, which dictate that positive identification of the victims must be established through DNA before releasing the remains to the families,” he said.

Maskandi star Mkhathazi is known for surprising music lovers during performances by arriving with about 45 dancers on stage, often travelling to major festivals in multiple taxis.

The death of these dancers has left music lovers questioning whether he’ll continue performing with large dance troupes.

Mkhathazi is set to mourn with the families on Saturday, 3 October.

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A multi award-winning entertainment journalist at Daily Sun, specialising in celebrity news, television, music, and major entertainment events. He covers some of the biggest entertainment moments in the country, bringing audiences fast, accurate and engaging storytelling across digital platforms.

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