Blue-light officer 'reckless'

The family of SABC radio and television journalist Tim Ncube, who was killed in a head-on collision with a VIP protection unit vehicle, is blaming the police driver for his death.

Ncube was killed when a driver in the blue-light convoy transporting the Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, was involved in a head-on collision. Both Ncube and the driver, Sergeant Thembinkosi Mpanza, died on the scene. The king was not hurt.

"The VIP protection officer overtook in the on-coming traffic lane and this is negligence. The fact that the road is a two-way and the blue-light driver had to cross to the other side to overtake was totally careless on his part," said family spokesman Sbu Ncube.

Ncube said the family found solace in the fact that the royal family was sharing their loss.

"They even sent someone from the scene to meet the family. This shows that they share our loss. Also, the king was very close to our brother and we are constantly engaging with them as we prepare for the funeral."

Royal family spokesman Prince Mbonisi Zulu said: "The royal family is in pain by the death of both Mpanza and Ncube, who had worked with the king for many years."

Prince Zulu said the king had assigned representatives from the royal family to the families of the victims to offer condolences.

"All the king said to tell the families was that he was also in sorrow about losing his children. Ncube as a journalist, was also a son to the king because of the role he played working with the king. Mpanza provided security to the king."

The accident took place near the township of KwaMsane, near Mtubatuba. The damage to both vehicles was extensive.

A third vehicle crashed into the wreckage and three other people were injured.

KwaZulu-Natal department of transport spokesman Kwanele Ncalane said the MEC, Willies Mchunu, has ordered an investigation.

"The issue of the VIPs' working behaviour on public roads and the use of blue lights in the vehicles transporting senior government officials and dignitaries is currently in the cabinet for discussion.

"MEC Mchunu believes there should be proper guidelines on how these people should behave."

Premier Zweli Mkhize said: "Ncube played a significant role in the promotion of peace, reconciliation and fostering better relations between various communities as a journalist at the height of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal.

"Sergeant Mpanza will be sorely missed. That he died at his prime time is very painful.

"It is a great loss to the police and to the province as a whole," Mkhize said.