Police confirm battery in Bunwarie accident came from another vehicle

Westville police have revealed that, in a surprising turn of events, that a battery that lead to the death of Pietermaritzburg businesswoman Madhumathie Bunwarie, was not thrown from the bridge as initially believed, but was from a vehicle that had been involved in an accident on the bridge.

The incident, which occurred on September 29 near Pavilion on the N3, claimed the life of Bunwarie, who was travelling back to Pietermaritzburg after attending her uncle’s funeral at the Clare Estate Crematorium.

Early reports had suggested that a car battery had been deliberately thrown from a bridge, smashing through her car’s windscreen and causing fatal injuries.

Captain Elizabeth Squires, communications officer for the Westville SAPS, however, has clarified that new evidence emerged after a witness came forward.

“After a case of culpable homicide was opened, a witness contacted the investigating officer, stating he had seen the incident unfold,” Captain Squires said.

“The witness, who was driving ahead of the family, indicated that a serious accident had just occurred on the opposite side of the road. The force of the crash propelled a car battery into the air, narrowly missing the witness’s vehicle but tragically hitting the car behind him, where Bunwarie was seated,” said Captain Squires.

In response to the new information, the detective reached out to neighbouring police stations but found no records of an accident. The investigation then shifted focus to local tow truck operators who had responded to the scene.

The detective successfully located the breakdown service driver who had towed the damaged vehicle involved in the accident. Further enquiries revealed that the driver of the car from which the battery flew was seriously injured and is currently in critical condition at a local hospital. The detective has since made contact with the injured driver's family.