Esikhaleni hit-and-run driver still being sought

No arrest has yet been made after a reported hit-and-run incident that left one pupil dead, three critically injured, and two with minor injuries in eSikhaleni.

The victims of this tragedy were all on their way home from school on Wednesday, 19 March when a car ploughed into them.

The vehicle – a grey VW Polo – was found abandoned in eSikhaleni later that day, with no sign of the driver.

Unconfirmed reports indicate the driver may have been intoxicated.

Speaking to Eyethu Bay Watch on Thursday, King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson Captain Siyanda

Shangase said no one has been arrested, but police are seeking a suspect to face charges of culpable homicide, as well as reckless and negligent driving.

Yolanda Siphiwe Nsibande (15), a Grade 11 pupil at Hlamvana High School, was killed; while three pupils from Matamuzana Secondary School – two from the same family – sustained critical injuries. An additional two pupils were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Nsibande was laid to rest in eSikhaleni on Thursday.

From the podium, various speakers commended the support from local leadership, including the ward councillor and pastors, saying they have not neglected them during this difficult time of loss.

Ward 14 Councillor Mondli Mthethwa thanked the community of Bhekizitha for the support they have shown the family.

He acknowledged the scholar transport drivers for their dedicated work of looking after the pupils and ensuring their safety every day when parents are at work.

“May the good Lord carry you home, Sisi, and give strength and hope to your parents and siblings,” said Mthethwa.

“We thank Hlamvana High School and local pastors for being with the family. I still appeal to the Department of Transport to make a pedestrian walkway on the road where the accident occurred so we can prevent such incidents from happening again.”