KZN CoGTA sends relief to snow trapped people on the N3

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has dispatched relief to those trapped in the snow on the N3 at Van Reenan’s pass in the midlands.

KZN CoGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi is urging people to stay home until the weather clears.

“We urge all our citizens of KwaZulu-Natal to stay at home and stay away from the roads as we can see the inclement weather, especially along the N3 along Bergville, Harrismith and also on the R74 and the R33 between Dundee and Vryheid the provincial Disaster Management Centre is on the ground.”

Buthelezi adds: “We are already assisting stranded passengers with food but also with getting them off the road so that they can land in their places of safety. We really urge our citizens to stay at home.”

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One fatality

One person was reported dead yesterday from exposure to the severe cold. The victim had collapsed in a shopping centre at Merrivale after spending the night in a taxi stuck in the snow on the N3 travelling from Johannesburg towards KZN.

The taxi had stopped for refreshments when the incident occurred.

People who need emergency assistance can contact the 24 hour N3 Helpline on o800-63 43 57.

Reporting by Salma Patel and Jayde Paulse