ADAMS MISSION – The family of 38-year-old Celani Zungu is demanding swift justice after an eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality water tanker fatally ran over the "simply curious" man during a violent confrontation over water shortages. The tragedy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adams Mission, south of Durban, has laid bare the lethal desperation of communities living without basic services.
Graphic video footage of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media, shows the moment the heavy municipal vehicle struck Zungu before fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, leaving his family and the Nkanyisweni community in a state of shock and mourning.
A Quest for Water Turns Deadly
According to his brother, Sakhile Zungu, Celani had no intention of becoming involved in a fight. He had been at home minding his own business when he heard a commotion outside and went to investigate. The community had been without running water since Friday, and the arrival of a tanker usually signals a desperate scramble for a basic human right.
“We were all sitting here at home minding our business, and we saw a water tanker parked there at the top about 100m away,” Sakhile recalled. “You will understand that if you haven’t had water for days and have been complaining, when you see a water tanker, you’ll go and check. But for him, death was calling, I guess.”
Sakhile emphasized that his brother was not there to fight. “He was simply curious about what was happening. He wanted to understand why people were arguing. He was not there to fight anyone but just to get water.”
Allegations of Water Profiteering
The arrival of the tanker on Sunday did not bring the expected relief. Instead, it triggered a heated confrontation. Residents accused the driver of bypassing the broader community to sell water—which is supposed to be distributed free of charge—to specific individuals or households.
Witnesses claimed the driver stepped out of the vehicle and exchanged heated words with the crowd, even allegedly attempting to assault some residents. As the situation escalated, some people fled, and the driver returned to his seat. It was during this period of chaos that Celani attempted to cross the road and was struck.
“When you see a water tanker with the municipality’s logo, you believe it is coming to help the community because that water is meant for everyone,” one resident told News24. “But then you see it stopping at someone’s house and filling up their JoJo tanks while the rest of us are left without water. It becomes painful because those who have money can survive, while those who cannot afford it continue suffering.”
A Systemic Failure
The tragedy has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and water advocates. Jonathan Erasmus, communications manager for WaterCAN, stated that the death of Celani Zungu is a direct consequence of prolonged failures in water service delivery.
“Had the City ensured reliable access through functioning infrastructure, proper maintenance and necessary upgrades, communities would not have been forced to depend on water tankers for an essential service,” Erasmus said. “Emergency tanker deliveries should never become the norm.”
Ward Councillor Thembelihle Makhanya acknowledged that the "selling of water" is a recurring complaint in community meetings, though gathering evidence to act against corrupt drivers has proven difficult. He noted that while some areas have intermittent supply, others have no water at all, making the management of tanker deliveries a logistical nightmare.
The Mayor’s Visit and Police Probe
On Monday, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the Zungu family to pay his respects. While expressing his condolences, Xaba confirmed that the allegations of the driver selling water would form a critical part of the municipality’s internal investigation.
“It’s such a tragic incident to have actually happened, and we can’t, for now, speculate on what might have sparked the whole incident. We leave that to the police,” Xaba said. He attributed the broader water crisis to ageing infrastructure and rapid migration, which has caused demand to outstrip supply.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a case of culpable homicide has been opened. While the driver’s identity is known to the authorities, the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal impact.
A Symbol of Desperation
For the people of Adams Mission, the death of Celani Zungu is more than just a tragic accident; it is a painful symbol of their daily battle for survival. The community remains on edge, with many calling for the "water mafia" within the municipal ranks to be exposed and dismantled.
As Sakhile Zungu and his family prepare to lay Celani to rest, their message to the authorities remains clear: “We really want to see justice.”
The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to refrain from sharing the graphic video of the incident out of respect for the family, but for many, the footage is the only evidence of the high price they are paying for the city’s failing infrastructure.
