Mayor visits family after road project tragedy in Mankweng
A truck linked to a Polokwane Municipality road project was involved in an incident that claimed the life of a Gr 10 learner in Mankweng.
POLOKWANE – Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Mpe on Monday led a municipal delegation to visit the Magoro family in Unit F, Mankweng, following the death of 15-year-old John Magoro.
The Gr 10 learner from Ditlalemeso Secondary School died in an incident involving a 34-ton site tipper truck linked to a contractor appointed for the municipality’s dual carriageway road project between Paledi Mall and the University of Limpopo precinct via Mankweng Hospital.
Mpe expresses condolences and sorrow
Mpe conveyed condolences to the family and described the incident as a tragic loss for both the family and the community.
“We are profoundly saddened by what has happened. Any loss of life is a matter of serious concern to me as the Executive Mayor and to the entire leadership of the municipality. We never anticipated that a project intended to improve the lives of our people and develop our community would be marked by such a tragic loss,” said Mpe.
Municipality treats matter with seriousness
He said the municipality was treating the matter seriously due to the involvement of a contractor appointed to work on a municipal infrastructure project.
“This is not a normal situation. We came here as the highest office of the municipality because we believe it is our responsibility to stand with the family during this painful time. We are here to comfort them, to support them and to acknowledge that one of our contractors’ trucks was involved in an accident that claimed the life of a young learner.”
Investigations underway
According to Mpe, the police and the Department of Employment and Labour are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The police and the Department of Labour will conduct their own investigations, and we will await the outcome of those processes. As the municipality, we will cooperate fully and ensure that the necessary interventions are undertaken.”
Municipality pledges support to family
Mpe added that the municipality would assist the family with logistical arrangements and related support.
