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Investigation launched after three young lives lost in KwaZulu-Natal aircraft tragedy

Investigation launched after three young lives lost in KwaZulu-Natal aircraft tragedy

IOL News11-06-2025

A light aircraft that vanished on Sunday over KwaZulu-Natal skies was found on Monday with all three passengers confirmed dead. The Piper Cherokee, which departed from Virginia Airport around 3pm, was operated by a student pilot.
The young victims of the tragic incident have been identified as 23-year-old student pilots Nqobile Biyela and Lulama 'Lwazi' Msane, along with 20-year-old medical student Siphesihle Buthelezi.
"We wish to inform the people of KwaZulu-Natal that we are in touch with the families of the two pilot students and a medical student who died tragically following the crash of their light aircraft," said KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma.
"It is sad that, during Youth Month, we lose the lives of dedicated and intelligent young people who were destined to take the aviation and healthcare industries to the next level."

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