KNYSNA NEWS - "God would not do this, he would not take a mother away from her children, this is not God's work," exclaimed Nofikile Maset, a survivor of the tragic accident which left two women dead and six other injured.

The accident occurred after the Isuzu bakkie in which they had been travelling suffered a burst tyre at about 10:50 on Sunday, April 15.

The bakkie was transporting members of the Church of Christ in George to the Church of Christ in White Location for a church service when the tragedy occurred. "We were waiting for them at the church when the other car, which was driving with them, phoned us to say that there had been a horrible accident," explained Nozimasile Mbetani, elder at the local Church of Christ.

According to Constable Chris Spies, Knysna SAPS media liaison officer, information indicates that the cream-coloured Isuzu bakkie overturned after the tyre had burst, ejecting some of the passengers who had been travelling in the open load bin, before colliding with a tree alongside the N2 close to Sedgefield.

Of the eight people involved in the accident two women, Esther Memani (45) and Normha Lucas (63) of Thembalethu, George were declared dead on the scene.

Two others were transported by AMS helicopter to the George Hospital, one in a critical condition. The remaining four were transported by ER24 as well as the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health: Emergency Medical Services to the Knysna Hospital.

Mbetani explained that the churchgoers had visited the Knysna church once or twice before. "Fifteen of the congregation rushed to the accident to be with the survivors and then travelled to the Knysna Hospital to offer comfort and support to the shocked survivors," explained Mbetani.

Although the passengers had suffered a horrific ordeal with some experiencing the horror of the accident over and over as the scene replays itself in their minds' eye, the strength of their faith was evident. "I don't know why this happened to us, but I do know that God loves me, otherwise I would not be lying in the hospital bed today," said Maseti. "All I remember is waking up and praying that everybody is alive. I called to the other needing to know that they were alright," she said.

Florence Ngqungqutha of Mossel Bay, whose pain was apparent, spoke about the accident and her concern about her eight children waiting for her at home. "I see the accident happening over and over, but I am not angry at God. I love him more today," she said. Luyanda Dingiswayo of George echoed the sentiments of her fellow passengers and spoke lovingly of her God, reiterating that she would not lose her faith because of the accident.

Although Dingiswayo's husband David had been involved in the same accident and was lying in the men's ward a floor below his wife, the couple has not been able to see one another. "I ask about my wife and my wife asks about me and the nurses bring and take messages," said David. His pain and discomfort were evident, yet he too spoke about his faith with conviction, "We must believe in God, even if it's tough, we must remain strong." Besides being worried about his wife, David expressed his concern about the passengers' personal effects, saying that the police had taken it for safekeeping. "I hope that we will get our phones and other stuff back soon." Constable Spies gave his assurance that all personal effects collected at the scene of the accident were in safekeeping at the Knysna Police Station.

"It is not our place to question why this accident happened; we must pray for guidance as well as for the families who lost their loved ones in this accident," said Simphiwo James, a church elder Church of Christ, Thembalethu. He said that the congregation was deeply shocked. "It is definitely a shock to lose anybody in such a gruesome accident, but the driving force for us is our faith. Whatever happens to us on earth happens so that we can see God's will clearer. This accident has not diminished our faith," he said.

Refering to the four patients, Mbetani said, "We are not sure if they are going home or to the hospitals closer to their homes, but it would be nice for them to be close to family and friends," she said.

Maseti said that motorists stopped immediately after the accident. "We want to thank all the motorists and people who helped us and showed us such kindness. Without them I don't know what would have happened to us." She explained, "People stopped and sat with us and kept us still while we waited for the ambulances. If I asked for water, they found some and let me drink. Thank you to everybody who help."

Dingiswayo concurred, "We are so thankful."

A case of culpable homicide was opened by the Knysna Police. "Investigation continues," said Constable Spies.


"I am so grateful to the motorists who immediately stopped to help us," said injured Nofikile Maseti of George. She recalled how she started to pray for the safety of her fellow passengers moments after she had regained consiousness.


Traffic was brought to a standstill at about 10:50 on Sunday, April 15 when an Isuzu bakkie’s tyre burst, causing it to roll. Two women were declared dead at the scene, and six others were injured, two of whom remain in a serious condition.

ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST