A journalist and a VIP protection officer were killed in a head-on collision in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday evening, the Zululand Fever newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Tim Ncube, a seasoned journalist in radio, TV and print media, was killed when the driver of a blue-light vehicle, part of a cavalcade escorting King Goodwill Zwelithini from his Nongoma palace to a Richard’s Bay hospital, crashed head-on into Ncube on the N2.

According to the Fever, the VIP driver was reported to have been attempting to overtake another vehicle.

The accident took place in a 60-80km/h zone near the township of Kwamsane. It is unclear if both or one vehicle was speeding. However the damage to both vehicles was extensive.

A third vehicle crashed into the wreckage. Three other people were injured.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize sent his condolences to both families.

“Ncube played a significant role in the promotion of peace, reconciliation and fostering better relations between various communities as a journalist at the height of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal,” Mkhize said in a statement.

“He dedicated his energies on serving the people of this province while working for the SABC and when he became a freelance journalist and lately when he worked for Bay Community Television.”

Mkhize said the sergeant would be missed.

“That he died at his prime time is not only tragic but very painful to bear. It is a great loss to the South African Police Service and to the province as a whole.” – Sapa