A Durban family is calling for sensitivity after video footage of a fatal crash on the N3 near Shongweni resurfaced on social media, saying the circulation of the clip has reopened emotional wounds more than a month after the tragedy.
The footage captures the moments leading up to the deaths of Phoenix businessman Miguel Govender and two others.
In the video, a white car is seen weaving through traffic before allegedly swerving into Govender’s vehicle. He appears to lose control, crossing the highway’s centre median and colliding head-on with a truck. The vehicle then bursts into flames, sending thick smoke into the air.
Family spokesperson Brandon Pillay said relatives had previously viewed the footage at a police station as part of the investigation.
He said the video confirmed their suspicions that another vehicle had forced Govender off the road.
“Someone mentioned that another vehicle had pushed Miguel off the road. We raised it with the investigating officer, who sourced the footage from South African National Roads Agency. He confirmed that what we suspected was correct,” Pillay said.
While the footage provided some clarity, Pillay said its public release has been deeply upsetting for the family, who are unsure how it was leaked, as it had been in police possession.
Investigators have since identified the driver of the other vehicle through toll gate camera footage and traced the number plate. The individual has reportedly been questioned and presented an affidavit through legal representation.
Pillay described Govender’s death as sudden and devastating. He had left home early that morning for work in Pietermaritzburg and never returned.
“The last time his wife spoke to him was around 7 or 7:30am. By late afternoon, she realised something was wrong. It’s been extremely traumatic. Seeing this video now just brings all that pain back,” he said.
South African Police Service officers at Hillcrest are investigating cases of culpable homicide.
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing graphic content out of respect for the victims’ families a reminder that some clips are better left unseen than endlessly replayed.