Walter Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, has sent condolences to the families of the nine pupils killed in an accident on Wednesday.

They died when the minibus they were travelling in overturned and plunged into a stream on the D267 road between Mayflower and Dundonald.

In order to prevent accidents and loss of life on roads, the municipality encourages safe driving among all road users.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the pupils who died in the accident,” Bongi Ka Dube, spokesperson for the municipality said.

“I hope that the families who have lost loved ones find comfort, hope, and courage in this time of heavy loss, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery,” Mngomezulu said in a statement delivered during a special meeting of the municipality on Thursday.