Top journalist killed in blue light crash

2012-04-16 23:28

Jonathan Erasmus, Zululand Fever

Mtubatuba - A well known and respected journalist and a VIP protection officer were killed in a head-on collision in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday evening.

Tim Ncube, a seasoned journalist in radio, TV and print media was killed when the driver of a blue light vehicle, part of a cavalcade escourting King Goodwill Zwelithini from his Nongoma palace to a Richards Bay hospital, crashed head-on into Ncube on the N2.

The driver was reported to have been attempting to overtake another vehicle.

The accident took place in a 60-80km/h zone near the township of Kwamsane. It is unclear if both or one vehicle was speeding, however the extent of the wreckage of both vehicles was extensive.

According to SAPS Kwamsane spokesperson Jabulani Mdletshe,  the VIP vehicle was a fair distance from King Zwelithini's vehicle at the time of the accident.

"The king and his lead and back vehicle were ahead of the third VIP protection vehicle involved in the collision. The king was being transported to hospital."

Mdletshe said the driver of the VIP vehicle was reportedly catching up to the official cavalcade, and tried to overtake at which point he lost control and collided head-on into the oncoming traffic.

Unconfirmed reports indicate the vehicle which the deceased VIP officer tried to overtake may have reacted negatively leading to the officer losing control of the vehicle.

Ncube and the VIP officer were declared dead on the scene.

A third vehicle crashed into the accident. Three other people were injured.

According to officials on the scene either part or all of Zwelithini's remaining cavalcade returned to the scene. It is unclear if Zwelithini did too.

It is unknown for what reason the Zulu king was being transported to hospital.

- News24