The well-know Gravett family is hurt and in shock after a dreadful crash on the N2 on Sunday claimed the life of provincial transport auditor Chumisa Mnyimbela.
The crash was linked to the arrest of a suspected drunk driving provincial health official, the provincial government said.
Attorney Gary Gravett, who was driving, said his estate agent wife Michele was in hospital wracked with pain from a cracked sternum and bruised ribs, which could take up to six weeks to heal.
Their daughter, Tara had surgery on her elbow which lasted until 10.30pm on Wednesday.
She had also hurt her nose and suffered whiplash.
Tara’s children, aged one and three, suffered scratches and bruises on their faces, minor injuries he put down to being strapped into their seats.
Gravett said he suffered small cuts, and sore ribs, probably from his seatbelt.
Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the official was arrested at the crash scene for allegedly driving a health department vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
He said the official had been returning from the departmental provincial games.
The crash happened at 3.20pm when the government vehicle travelling up and out the cuttings towards Butterworth collided with the oncoming Toyota double-cab carrying four family members down towards the Kei river.
Binqose said the department found the incident in which their own official was killed “deeply disturbing”.
A case of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving was being opened at the Kei Bridge SAPS station.
He said 127 drivers were arrested on the weekend for drunk driving in the Eastern Cape – 30 in Buffalo City.
Gravett, who was behind the wheel, said the oncoming vehicle had suddenly entered his space in front of him.
People at the scene had also told him that another person arrived in a very drunken state and allegedly threatened to “deal” with the driver of the Gravett bakkie – but this person was arrested and marched off.
He was told that an alleged racial dimension was picked up in the altercation when the drunken person who arrived at the scene was apparently overheard saying he would be taking matters into his own hands.
A video seen by Go! shows a photograph in which the oncoming vehicle is depicted with a red koki pen taking the well-known hairpin bend on the cuttings and then driving along a straight section of road when the alleged swerving and crash happened.
Pictures from the scene show the Gravett bakkie crushed head-on from the front, with the bonnet raised and the front side panels ripped off or blown out.
Their trailer’s nose cone is also mangled by the force of the Gravett’s bakkie going backwards.
The government bakkie is lying on its passenger side with its wheels rammed up against the barrier on the Gravett’s side of the road, possibly indicating it rammed into the Gravetts, then bounced to the right and came to rest on its side wedged between the barrier and the Gravett bakkie.
Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Bongani Fuzile said people who behaved on the roads in an unlawful manner, putting other people’s lives at risk, were being arrested.
The metro was committed to preventing fatalities, protecting its residents as they travelled and would be increasing its roadblocks and compliance checks, there would be random breathalyser testing.
Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha said of the clampdown: “Drunken driving is a danger to all. We will not hesitate to act, regardless of who is behind the wheel.”
