A Pietermaritzburg mother, Madhumathie Bunwarie, was tragically killed after a car battery allegedly flew from an accident scene across the N3 freeway and crashed through the windscreen of the vehicle she was traveling in, hitting her on the head. The 62-year-old was returning home from a relative’s funeral in Phoenix on Sunday evening, 29 September.
Bunwarie was travelling back home with her husband, niece and brother-in-law when the horrific incident took place. Initial reports had stated that she had been killed after a battery was thrown off a bridge, however, a close relative told the Phoenix Tabloid that investigations suggested that the battery was flung from a multiple vehicle crash on the N3, near the Pavillion Shopping Centre. The relative who did not want to be named said, “We received a call about an hour after Madhu had left the Verulam Crematorium where we had all gathered after the funeral procession. We were told that she was rushed to hospital following an accident on the N3. She sadly passed away in hospital. Her husband and other family members she had been travelling with were not injured but is very traumatised.”
A statement released by KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, after the tragic incident read, “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, a cherished mother and pillar of her family. On Sunday evening, her life was cruelly cut short when a car battery, carelessly thrown from a bridge near the Pavilion Shopping Centre, struck her vehicle while returning from a funeral. 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. We cannot, and will not, tolerate such inhumane and cowardly behaviour that brings untold pain and trauma to innocent people.”
“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. In the strongest terms, I call upon law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the individuals responsible for this heinous act. We need justice, not only for Mrs Bunwarie but for all victims of violence and reckless criminality in our province,” said Premier Ntuli.
He said, “Furthermore, 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. We must ensure that incidents like these are prevented at all costs. The safety of our people is non-negotiable. Additional security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras and heightened monitoring of bridges, will be explored urgently to deter such cowardly acts of violence.”
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement without delay. Together, as a community, we must stand united against those who seek to disrupt the peace and security of our province. May Mrs Bunwarie rest in peace, and may her family find strength in this time of mourning. Let this tragic incident serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of compassion, responsibility, and collective vigilance,” added Premier Ntuli.
