A tragic accident on the N12 near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Ekurhuleni has left four young schoolchildren dead and five others seriously injured, sending shockwaves through their families and communities.
The devastating scene was marked by scattered schoolbags, bloodstains on the road, and grieving parents overcome with emotion. Among them, a heartbroken mother sat weeping beside a mortuary van carrying her child's lifeless body, while others collapsed in despair.
The Victims of the Crash
The four children who lost their lives have been identified as Khetelwe Zulu, Hlompho Mofokeng, Kgosi Malatjie, and Lubanzi Nhlapo. They were en route to Rynfield Primary School, Tom Newby Primary School, and Griffcats Early Learning Centre when their scholar transport vehicle, a Toyota Verso, collided with an Isuzu Hilux bakkie yesterday morning.
Two of the victims, Khetelwe and Hlompho, were siblings in grades 1 and 3 at Tom Newby Primary. Their devastated grandfather arrived at the crash site only to learn that their bodies had already been taken to the mortuary.
Families in Mourning
The grief-stricken mother of Kgosi Malatjie was seen sobbing next to the mortuary vehicle, her son's green schoolbag lying beside her. Meanwhile, Lubanzi’s uncle, Bonnie Zitha, recalled how the seven-year-old soccer enthusiast had just celebrated his father's birthday the day before.
“It is painful. We don't know how we will pull through. The boy was humble and loved soccer,” Zitha said, struggling to hold back tears.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. According to William Ntladi, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services, the driver of the scholar transport was unharmed but in shock. The driver of the bakkie, however, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened, but no arrests have been made yet. Thabiso Makgato, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, confirmed that investigators are still working to determine what led to the fatal collision.
Counselling for Affected Schools
The Gauteng Education Department has dispatched counsellors to support the affected schools, ensuring that both students and teachers receive the necessary emotional assistance.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss.
“Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, friends, and school communities during this painful period. The department stands ready to provide the necessary support to all affected,” he stated.
As investigations continue, families are left to grapple with unimaginable loss, mourning the young lives cut short in an instant.
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