Culpable homicide probed after 12 learners perish in accident

Police have opened a case of culpable homicide after a devastating scholar transport accident in Merafong, near Carletonville, claimed the lives of 12 learners.

According to reports, a white bakkie rear-ended the minibus carrying the learners, causing it to overturn and catch fire.

Tragically, all 12 learners and their driver succumbed to the flames.

The victims included 11 learners from Rocklands Primary School and one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.

Sadly, four of the deceased learners were from the same family.

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, visited the scene, urging parents to ensure the roadworthiness of transport used by learners.

Alongside Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, he also visited recovering learners in the hospital, where seven have been discharged and one remains under medical care.

The bakkie driver’s sobriety is under investigation, although he has not been tested yet.

He is receiving medical attention at a private hospital, with community members calling for him to be placed under police guard.

As investigations continue, it has emerged that emergency responders took 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze from the minubus that was carrying the learners.

Merafong Mayor, Nozupho Best, expressed uncertainty about whether a quicker response could have saved lives, emphasising that emergency responders must be held accountable if found negligent. Written by Naomi Kobbie