A state-owned Mercedes-Benz SUV which was carrying Amathole district mayor Nomfusi Nxawe, her bodyguard and her driver when they crashed on Friday, has been written off.
A woman and her child were killed in the accident.
ADM spokesperson Nonceba Madikizela-Vuso said the 2016 model was beyond repair.
Madikizela-Vuso was speaking to the Daily Dispatch from the hospital bedside of Nxawe at Life Beacon Bay Hospital on Sunday.
“The driver and bodyguard were injured with the mayor, but all are recovering in hospital. We don’t know the cause of the accident.”
Madikizela-Vuso said once he had recovered, the driver was expected to shed the light on what happened.
“We have confidence in our medical practitioners and we hope that by Thursday the employees will be discharged,” said Vuso.
Speaking from her hospital bed, Nxawe, who had a neck brace on, said she was grateful for the outpouring of support from politicians and civilians alike.
Nxawe said the accident happened as she was on her way to play her part in president Cyril Ramaphosa’s green good deeds clean-up campaign in Fort Beaufort.
Ramaphosa launched the programme in Mdantsane on Friday.
“I was busy reading a copy of the Dispatch when I heard a loud bang. I lost consciousness and woke up in Victoria Hospital in Alice.”
The mayor said she had injuries to her ribcage, spine and neck. Doctors were taking her to the theatre on Monday for examination.
“I am grateful for the messages of support from our municipal manager, directors of the municipality, MECs and premier of the province,” said Nxawe.
In hospital she was surrounded by family members, including her two sisters, three grandchildren and son Siya Rexe on Sunday.
Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the accident took place at the intersection of the R63 and R345 at 9.45am on Friday between King William’s Town and Alice.
Binqose said two people died when a silver Toyota Corolla and a grey Nissan bakkie clashed.
The bakkie was entering the R63 road from the R345. The two cars are believed to have started the pileup. Binqose said a woman and her child were declared dead on arrival at Victoria Hospital.
“Many people were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.”
malibongwed@dispatch.co.za..