Man, 39, dies after being allegedly run over by eThekwini water tanker in Adams Mission

What happened

The fatal incident occurred in Ward 96 at Nkanyisweni in Adams Mission on Sunday, 2 August 2026. According to police, the man was taken to hospital after the incident but later succumbed to his injuries.

A water tanker from EThekwini Municipality has run over one of the residents in Adams Mission near Amanzimtoti in KZN pic.twitter.com/5iVZurl8z0

Thembeka (@of_unisex) August 3, 2026

Police and municipal responses

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a culpable homicide case had been opened. He said:

“Police in Umbumbulu have opened a case of culpable homicide following an incident in which a 39-year-old man was allegedly run over by a truck at Nkanyisweni on Sunday, 2 August 2026. The victim was transported to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”

The eThekwini Municipality expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and confirmed that the vehicle involved was a municipal water tanker. The municipality said:

“The eThekwini Municipality has noted with deep sadness a fatal incident involving a municipal water tanker in Ward 96, eMbumbulu, this morning. One person lost their life in the incident. The Municipality extends its condolences to the family, friends and community of the deceased.”

Investigations and community support

The municipality said it was cooperating with law enforcement and had launched internal processes. It stated:

“The South African Police Service has opened a case, and investigations are underway. The Municipality is cooperating fully with the SAPS and has also initiated its own internal processes.”

Officials were deployed to Adams Mission to provide support to the bereaved family. The municipality also appealed to the public to refrain from circulating footage:

“The Municipality appeals to residents and members of the public to refrain from circulating footage of the incident on social media, out of respect for the deceased and their family.”

Footage circulating online

Graphic video of the incident has been shared on social media platforms, including X. Authorities cautioned against sharing the footage while investigations continue.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are ongoing.