Woman killed by battery thrown from bridge: KZN premier condemns attack

KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned the senseless attack that claimed the life of Pietermaritzburg businesswoman Madhumathie Bunwarie after she was struck by a car battery, thrown from a bridge on Sunday. He called on police to intensify their search for the culprits and promised to look at ways to beef up security to prevent future incidents.

Bunwarie (61) was killed when a battery was thrown from a bridge on the N3 near the Pavilion Shopping Centre on Sunday.

Urgent security measures needed

Ntuli called for urgent security measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I express my utmost condemnation of the reckless and senseless act that claimed the life of Mrs. Madhumathie Bunwarie,” Ntuli said.

This appalling act of mischief and criminal recklessness has not only robbed a family of a beloved mother, but it has shaken the entire KwaZulu-Natal community.

Family still reeling from tragedy

Madhumathie was travelling with her husband, Shakthi Bunwarie, their niece, and brother-in-law when the tragic incident occurred.

The family was returning to Pietermaritzburg after attending a funeral in Phoenix when the battery was thrown from the bridge and crashed through the windscreen of their car, fatally injuring Madhumathie.

Bunwarie, still reeling from the tragedy, described the horror of that moment.

“It happened so fast. The battery came through the windscreen, injuring my wife,” he said.

Despite rushing her to Westville Hospital, Madhumathie was declared dead on arrival. Bunwarie’s brother-in-law also sustained injuries from the impact.

The premier extended his condolences to the grieving family.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Bunwarie’s family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. No words can ease the grief they are feeling, but as a province, we mourn with them and promise to act,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli has called on law enforcement to intensify efforts to find those responsible.

“We need justice, not only for Mrs Bunwarie but for all victims of violence and reckless criminality in our province,” he stated.

The premier also outlined plans for increased security measures.

I have instructed the Department of Community Safety and Liaison to work closely with SAPS to increase police visibility and patrols in high-risk areas, particularly near bridges along major highways.

“Additional security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras and heightened monitoring of bridges, will be explored urgently.”

The SAPS has already opened a murder case and is investigating the incident.

Shakthi hopes that his wife’s tragic story will encourage road users to be cautious and prompt authorities to act swiftly to ensure the safety of motorists.

Ntuli called for the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement, emphasising that ‘the safety of our people is non-negotiable’.