Thokozile Mnguni
A tragic accident has claimed the lives of three municipal firefighters while they were responding to a veld fire in Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality today. The incident has left colleagues and the community in shock.
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union, SAMWU, has expressed deep sadness following the deaths. The workers were part of the municipality’s Fire and Disaster Unit and were also union members.
SAMWU said the loss is felt not only by families and colleagues, but also across the wider working-class community.
Provincial Secretary Pieter Demas said the workers were dedicated public servants who put their lives on the line for others.
“They left their homes to serve and protect others, and tragically never returned. Their loss is our loss. Their pain is our pain. Their families’ grief is shared by the entire SAMWU family,” he said.
He added, “On behalf of SAMWU, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the fallen workers during this extremely difficult time. No words can fully heal the pain of losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances, but we hope their families find strength in knowing that these workers died in the line of duty.”
Demas said SAMWU will engage the municipality to ensure that families and affected colleagues receive full support, including emotional care.
The union also said the deaths must be treated with dignity and not reduced to statistics, adding that it will continue to support the families.
A full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash has been called for.
The Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality confirmed that three employees from its Fire and Disaster Unit died in the incident.
The crash involved a bus, a municipal fire truck, and a Kurara FM vehicle.
The firefighters were on their way to a veld fire along Tlhabane Road between the N14 Mothibistad Kagung T junction and Diamondview when the accident occurred.
Municipal manager Martin Tsatsimpe said the loss has deeply affected the municipality and the surrounding community.
He said the workers were committed public servants who dedicated their lives to protecting people, property and the environment.
“We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased. Our thoughts are with them during this painful time,” he said.
He added that support is being provided to those affected, while the circumstances surrounding the crash are being looked into.