Qonce – Seven people died in a triple-vehicle crash on the N2 near Qonce on Wednesday, including Nana Nicolette Msutwana, principal of Fezeka Primary School in Peddie, and business owners Platon and Loanna Efstratiou.
Msutwana died alongside her husband, two children and a grandson, while the Efstratiou couple were killed in a separate vehicle involved in the collision. Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide as the Eastern Cape education and business communities reel from the loss.
According to the provincial transport department, a Toyota Hilux bakkie carrying the Msutwana family had a side-impact collision with a Mercedes-Benz sedan before crashing into a Nissan Navara bakkie carrying the Efstratious. Five occupants of the Hilux and both occupants of the Nissan Navara died at the scene. The three occupants of the Mercedes-Benz survived, with two sustaining injuries.
Dalubuhle Mfiki, a spokesperson for the Msutwana family, said they were devastated. Mfiki, the principal’s brother, said the educator died alongside her husband, Thobile, their son, Aphumelele, their daughter, Ntomboxolo, and their three-year-old grandson, Oyintando. The couple’s daughter Esethu is in critical condition at an intensive care unit at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital.
Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta said Platon and Loanna were more than just business owners. “They were pillars of the community. Their dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting local initiatives has left a legacy that will inspire future generations," said Fanta.
Msutwana had been in the teaching profession since February 1991 and had been the principal of Fezeka for seven years. Last Friday, Fezeka Primary was visited by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha conveyed his condolences to the affected families. Binqose said Qonce police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
Follow Us on Twitter
