The daughter of Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi was killed in a car crash near Melmoth on Sunday, KwaZulu-Natal transport officials said.
KwaZulu-Natal transport spokesperson Nonkululeko Mbatha said that Buthelezi’s daughter, Princess Lethuxolo Bengitheni, was driving a bakkie on the R66 at Mthonjaneni Heights on Sunday morning when the accident took place.
Mbatha said that Buthelezi lost control of the vehicle at a sharp bend and struck the barrier, before careening down a steep embankment.
Buthelezi was killed instantly, while her male passenger was reported to be in a critical condition in hospital.
It was not immediately clear what caused Buthelezi to lose control of the vehicle.
”Prince Buthelezi and his wife Princess Irene are simply devastated by the tragedy. The Buthelezi family thank his Majesty the King, President Mbeki and others for their condolences,” said Buthelezi’s
private secretary, Jon Cayzer.
He said that funeral arrangements would be announced shortly. – Sapa