22 IFP Members Injured in Bus Crash Near Vryheid While En Route to Anniversary Celebrations
Durban – At least 22 members of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) were injured in a bus accident.
The IFP supporters were on their way from Gauteng to Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for the party’s 50th anniversary celebrations when their bus overturned on the R34 near Vryheid.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities, though three passengers sustained serious injuries that required hospitalization.
Emergency services responded promptly to assist those injured.
During a statement made from the Marriahill Toll Plaza on Sunday (23 March 2025), KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma remarked: “Sadly, as we conclude the long weekend, I received notification from our diligent Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team regarding a bus accident on the R34 close to Vryheid.”
He noted that the incident happened between 06:00 and 06:30 on Sunday morning.
“According to RTI, a bus transporting IFP supporters, owned by Sun Coaches Bus Company, has overturned. The latest preliminary report we received at 09:30 states that the bus driver was speeding, and we will not show leniency towards him,” he added.
“We intend to make an example to ensure that the message is clear: Alufakwa KwaZulu-Natal – there is zero tolerance in KwaZulu-Natal.”
From this bus accident, MEC Duma provided the following medical codes:
- 🔵 No Blue Code – Fortunately, there are currently no reported fatalities among passengers.
- 🔴 3 x Red Code – Passengers are critically injured and face possible death as a result of their injuries.
- 🟡 8 x Yellow Code – Passengers are seriously injured.
- 🟢 11 x Green Code – Wounded passengers who are able to walk.
Meanwhile, IFP supporters have converged at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Regional Stadium for the party’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
In reference to another incident on the roads, MEC Duma stated: “Last night, we regrettably received reports from RTI about a head-on collision on the R61 near Wild Coast Sun on the South Coast.”
“Tragically, three individuals lost their lives in that terrible accident. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.”
MEC Duma reported that one person sustained critical injuries.
Three other injured individuals are currently receiving treatment.
“According to preliminary reports, a VW car and a Toyota Tazz were racing each other, which led to a head-on collision with a Toyota Yaris,” said MEC Duma.
“The road was closed for three hours. I’ve instructed the RTI to take strict action against dangerous driving and speeding.
“We are presently conducting a roadblock at the Marriahill Toll Plaza.
“This morning, we are observing a significant number of vehicles leaving Durban and KZN for other provinces.”
“During this long weekend, we experienced a surge in traffic volume to KZN and particularly to Durban, with over 1,000 vehicles recorded per hour on Thursday and Friday afternoons.”