LIMPOPO – A crash in Dididi Village, Vhembe District, has claimed the life of a 15-year-old learner just hours ago.

The crash, according to preliminary information received by the Department of Transport, occurred when a light delivery vehicle transporting learners lost control and overturned.

One learner died and twelve other occupants, including the driver, sustained critical injuries and are receiving medical treatment, while another 13 learners suffered minor injuries and were treated.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye strongly condemned the use of bakkies to transport learners.

“A bakkie is a goods vehicle. It is not designed to carry passengers, and it is certainly not designed to carry children. Every time we allow a learner to climb into the back of a bakkie, we are gambling with that child’s life. Today that gamble cost us a 15-year-old son, brother, and learner. It is unacceptable and it must stop with immediate effect,” she said.

The department said it will work with the Department of Education, Saps and municipal traffic authorities to intensify operations against illegal scholar transport.

Vehicles found transporting learners unlawfully will be impounded and operators could face prosecution.

“We understand the challenges of access and affordability, but no saving is worth a child’s life. Government is working to expand access to safe, subsidised and contracted scholar transport, and we urge communities to work with us,” Mathye added.

The MEC conveyed her condolences to the family, friends and school community of the deceased learner and wished those injured a speedy recovery.