A KwaZulu-Natal king was killed in a car accident over the weekend, the provincial government said on Sunday.

Inkosi Khayelihle Mathaba died on Saturday night when his vehicle was involved in an accident in Nkwalini near Melmoth.

"The KwaZulu-Natal government has learnt with shock of the sad news of the tragic death of Inkosi Khayelihle Mathaba in a road accident in Nkwalini,near Melmoth last night," the provincial government said in a statement.

Mathaba was a former member of the provincial legislature in KwaZulu-Natal and Inkosi of eMacambini traditional community.

Traditional Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube and MEC for Transport Willies Mchunu both paid tribute to Mathaba and said his contributions would be missed.

Mchunu said details about the accident were sketchy but it is believed that it occurred around 11:30pm on Saturday but the accident was only discovered early on Sunday morning.

"While we do not have the full details of the accident at this stage, his loss is the sad reminder to all of us to commit ourselves into doing all in our powers to reduce the scourge of road accidents in our province," he said.

Condolences to KZN king

Tributes and condolences continued to pour in on Sunday for a KwaZulu-Natal king who died in a car accident.

The Inkatha Freedom Party also paid tribute to Mathaba. Party national chairman Blessed Gwala said Mathaba was an outspoken leader who would be sorely missed for his in-depth knowledge of local government matters and his ability to mediate in community issues.

"During his term as a Parliamentarian Inkosi Mathaba proved to be a skilful debater who was not afraid to speak truth to power. Our condolences also go to His Majesty, The King and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as both Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation and President of the IFP," said Gwala.

National Freedom Party leader Zanele kaMagwaza Msibi spoke of Mathaba as a friend and advisor who cared about his people.

"I convey my condolences to all oNdlunkulu (wives) of Inkosi Mathaba, his children, the family, the relatives and his entire tribe. He was a very close friend of mine and my family," said kaMagwaza Msibi.

She said Mathaba used to motivate and encourage her while she was mayor of Zululand district municipality and would give her tactics of how to deliver basic services to the people.

"He was a humble person and he had a deep sense of humour. Inkosi Mathaba loved his tribe and his tribe is one of the better developed areas of KwaZulu Natal with schools and clinics. Inkosi Mathaba led by example," she said.