Two other officials are fighting for their lives following the accident on the R701 between Bethulie and Smithfield Thursday afternoon (6/3) at around 14:00, apparently due to a burst tyre.

Nomathamsanqa Mei, a social worker from the Xhariep district based in Smithfield, tragically lost her life. Assistant community development practitioner Manako Alina Sipoyo and social worker Molotana Bukelwa Elizabeth were both seriously injured and remain in the hospital.

Social Development spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Mei, describing her as an “invaluable” member of the team. She “served the people of the Free State with … diligence”.

“We will miss her insight, especially within the public service and psychosocial support sphere, which is the service she offered to most of our communities around the area of Smithfield,” Nqabeni said.

The previous days, ten people lost their lives on the N6 between Reddersburg and Smithfield, also in the southern Free State. Eighteen of the 22 injured were discharged the same day, Free State Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi confirmed.

Meanhwile, Social Development will be deploying a team to provide psychosocial support and counselling to Mei’s family in Sterkspruit. Funeral arrangements have not been finalised, said Nqabeni.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh