KZN MEC shocked, dismayed at Mondli Cele’s death
KwaZulu-Natal transport, community safety, and liaison MEC Willies Mchunu has expressed shock and dismay at the death of Pietermaritzburg United star midfield-cum-striker Mondli Cele, who died in a car accident early on Sunday morning.
Cele, together with a SABC sport reporter, who was also an occupant of the vehicle, died on the scene, while two other occupants were injured when the car they were driving in was involved in a crash, Mchunu said.
The accident happened a few hours after Cele scored the opening goal in a match between Pietermaritzburg United and Orlando Pirates on Saturday night.
The police investigation’s preliminary report indicated that a Nissan Almera veered off the road, overturned, and plunged into a river.
“This horrendous accident happened as the province of KwaZulu-Natal was noting a decline in road fatalities, having recorded a decrease of two percent over the festive season period,” Mchunu said.
The accident was a sad reminder that safety on the road was a collective responsibility.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the families, Pietermaritzburg United, the SABC, and the football lovers for this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult period. This accident happens as the province was noting improvements, albeit marginal, seen in the decline of road fatalities.
“We will continue to work hard in ensuring a sustained downward trend in road crashes and fatalities as part of achieving the United Nations’ goal of halving accidents by 50 percent come 2020,” said Mchunu.
ANA
(File photo)