South Africa investigates fatal air crash

RT.com
12 Jun 2025, 14:15 GMT+10

The weekend accident in KwaZulu-Natal left two student pilots and a medical student dead

Investigators are piecing together what happened in the moments before a Piper Cherokee crashed in KwaZulu-Natal, claiming the lives two pilots and a medical student on board.

The deceased have been identified as 23-year-old student pilots Nqobile Biyela and Lulama 'Lwazi' Msane, along with 20-year-old medical student Siphesihle Buthelezi.

IOL reported that the small aircraft departed from the Virginia Airport in Durban, at the weekend.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, confirmed that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched a formal investigation.

"A report from the Accident and Incident Investigation Division is expected within 30 days," he said.

Duma added that the grief experienced by the families, friends, and peers of the victims was unbearable and urged the public to continue offering support and compassion to the bereaved families.

"We are fully aware that post-mortem examinations of the victims by trained pathologists will be critical in terms of highlighting causative factors, crash injuries, and survival factors," Duma said.

He said his department is in touch with the families of the deceased.

"It is sad that, during Youth Month, we lose the lives of dedicated and intelligent young people who were destined to take the aviation and healthcare industries to the next level," he said.

First published by IOL

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cape Town Express.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Brazil’s ex-president accused of leading illegal spy operation

Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro targeted rivals through spy agency

BRASILIA, Brazil: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is accused of playing a key role in an illegal surveillance operation orchestrated...

Critics say Özdağ case aims to silence Erdogan opponents

Turkish far-right leader on trial for inciting hatred

ANKARA, Turkey: A Turkish far-right politician went on trial Wednesday, facing charges of inciting public hatred—an episode critics...

Assisted dying bill clears key hurdle in UK Parliament

UK Parliament backs assisted dying in historic vote

LONDON, U.K.: In a landmark moment for Britain, lawmakers in the House of Commons have voted in favour of legalising assisted dying,...

International law no longer a priority among Western leaders

World returns to 'law of jungle' in face of pre-emptive strikes

Western support for Israel's right to strike Iran backs up a pattern of pre-emptive violence that critics say is further eroding international...

Carney sets 30-day deadline for US trade deal

Canada threatens higher tariffs on US steel, aluminum

OTTAWA, Canada: Canada may boost its counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from the U.S. if a comprehensive trade agreement...

Leaked call pushes Thai govt to the brink as allies waver

Thai PM faces coalition crisis after leak and party walkout

BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand's government is facing its biggest crisis in nearly a year, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's...

South Africa

Section