School transport horror claims two young lives
The 44-year-old driver of the minibus is expected to appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court today.
Two Grade R learners died after a minibus transporting pupils from school caught fire on a gravel road near Apel on Wednesday afternoon.
The names of the children have not yet been released.
According to the Limpopo police, the incident occurred along the Apel Cross road via the Tswaing gravel road towards Nkotokwane Village.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a Toyota Quantum minibus was transporting 22 learners, between the ages of seven and 10, from Mannyetha Primary School to their homes when the vehicle allegedly burst into flames.
Two children died inside the burning taxi, while seven others sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Thirteen learners escaped unharmed.
“The exact cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage,” said Ledwaba.
Police have opened two counts of culpable homicide following the incident.
The 44-year-old driver was arrested on charges relating to culpable homicide, overloading, and failure to produce an operating certificate in contravention of the National Road Traffic Act.
He is expected to appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court today. The police said additional charges may be added as investigations continue.
Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the affected families, learners, and educators.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families during this painful period of mourning. We also wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery,” she said.
The Department of Education confirmed that psycho-social support services have been activated at the school while investigations into the incident continue.
