The community around Vhembe and three families have been plunged into deep mourning, after tragically losing five members of one family in a vehicle accident.
The horrific accident happened at Phiphidi on Sunday.
According the police, Mr Tshifhiwa Nengudza (40), Unarine Nengudza (17) and Orifha Nengudza (7) and their relatives, Ronewa Ramufhi (20) and Humbulani Ranenyeni (17) from Vuvha, were on the way home from Tswinga when the accident occurred. Along the way, their vehicle collided head-on with a bus.
A family representative, Mr Salthiel Nengudza, said that the family had accepted the loss, although it was difficult to cope with. "We understand and accept that our beloved children are gone, and it will be very difficult for us to live without them. It is also important to acknowledge the community´s support since we were greeted with the bad news. God has done His will," he said.
King Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and said they would be sorely missed. He added that the community members around the Vhembe area were deeply touched by the horror of the accident, especially as the victims were still so young.
"The family members of the victims need our support in hard times like these and we hope accidents of this nature, which can be prevented, will never again take place on our roads," he said.
The Makhado mayor, Cllr Shonisani Sinyosi, expressed her condolences to the families and said that their loved ones would be always be remembered. She said that the family members were totally devastated by the horrific accident. "Understandably, it is very difficult to continue with everyday life after such a traumatic experience and the families need support," she said.
Sinyosi has urged members of the bereaved families and all stakeholders involved in the preparations for the funerals to be united and work together with their municipalities to ensure they received a dignified funeral.
The deceased will be buried together during a mass funeral to be held on Saturday at Vuvha. At the time of our going to press, funeral arrangements were at an advanced stage.