Families speak about loved ones

The head-on collision between a mini bus and truck happened on Friday, January 24 on the R555 Old Ogies Road.
One lucky passenger, that was travelling in the mini bus, survived the accident.

Ms Nikiwe Hlatshwago (21) was on her way to Middelburg from Johannesburg to visit her brother Mr Thulani Hlatshwago.
“She is recovering one day at a time, she has a bad fracture on her left leg and has stitches in her hand and head. Otherwise she’s recovering slowly,” said Thulani.

Family members that have been left behind have only fond memories of their loved ones.
Ms Lettie Makua (24), was described by her mother Ms Emma Tau as a wonderful person.
“Lettie was one of four children and she had two children of her own, they are battling to deal with the loss of their mother. She will be missed by all that knew her,” said Tau.

Makua’s funeral will take place on Saturday, February 1 near Stoffberg.

Mr Jane Chitombo brother of Mr Timothy Chitombo (46) who died in the accident, spoke highly of his brother.
“He was a very good guy and he was the bread winner for the family,” said Chitombo.

Chitombo continued to say that his brother was on his way back from work, when the accident happened.
Timothy’s body will be taken back to Zimbabwe, where the funeral will take place.

Ms Joyce Nkosi lost her sister Ms Maria Mashegoane (26) and her two children Dineo Mashegoana (4) and his brother Dimpho Mashegoana (6) in the accident.

“They were on their way to eMalahleni to visit their Aunt. My sister was a wonderful person and her children were wonderful boys,” said Nkosi.
The funeral for the mother and her two sons will take place on Saturday, February 1.

Ms Marta Matwau wife of Mr Hendrick Sigudla (48) that was killed in the accident will miss her husband’s voice and laughter at home.
“He was a good husband to me, a very nice person,” said Matwau.
There is still no funeral arrangements made for Sigudla yet.
Mr Adam Mnisi (38) was killed in the tragic accident, family members could not be reached for comment.
Ms Annah France, lost her son Mr Pumzile Mgeole (50) on Friday.
He worked in Johannesburg and came through for the weekend to visit his wife and three children.
“He loved people and was a very cheerful person,” said France.
His funeral will take place next week Friday, February 7 in the Transkei.
Family friend Mr Tariq Shehzae went to identify Mr Malik Ahmed (42).
“I watched him grow up in front of me in Pakistan, we were neighbours. He was such a nice person,” said Shehzae.
He continued to explain that he recently went to Pakistan to visit his family. He leaves behind five small children.
“His body has been sent to Pakistan to his family,” said Shehzae.
Ms Angelina Olivier (37) husband Mr David Olivier will miss his wife dearly.
“She was a wonderful wife and she had a personality that everyone loved,” said Olivier.
Her funeral will take place next week Saturday, February 8 in Pietersburg.
Mr Given Jiyana (23) driver of the taxi was described as a wonderful person and had lots of friends.
His funeral will take place on Saturday, February 1 at Stoffberg, past Middelburg.

For Mr Piet Kgoshoma his house is empty as his wife Ms Sophy Kgoshoma (30) and their daughter Tshego Mogofe (3) was killed in the accident.

“Sophy was a good person; she made me a happy person. I learnt a lot from her,” said Kgoshoma.
When asked about his daughter, there was first silence and then an “awww.”
“She was my life, my everything. She used to follow every where. When I went to the shops she was by my side.