Driver arrested after five learners die

The driver of the vehicle which overturned on the R574 between Groblersdal and Mpudulle last Tuesday causing the death of five learners has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and will face five charges of culpable homicide.
Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo said the suspect was expected to appear in absentia in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court last Thursday as he and a male passenger are still recuperating in hospital from injuries sustained during the accident. The driver is under Police guard. The five girls, Beauty Motsweni, Pearl Rakgalakane, Lucy Monareng, Chantel Monareng and Karabo Mogoaneng were all learners at AM Mashego Secondary School in Monsterlus.
Mojapelo said that the girls were hitch-hiking home at around 14:00 when they were picked up by a driver in a Nissan NP200 bakkie.
It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to overturn several times. The five learners reportedly died instantly.

Story: RC Myburgh
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