They were smart children, with bright futures: Uncle

 

The family of the four of the 11 children who died in the horrific scholar transport accident in Merafong, near Carletonville, say the loss is imaginable.

Authorities revised the learners’ death toll from 12 to 11 today.

The children were travelling to school in the minibus when they were bumped into in the back between Kokosi and Wedela near Fochville.

It is understood that a bakkie rear-ended the minibus carrying the learners, causing it to overturn and catch fire.

The driver of the scholar transport also lost his life, taking the horror crash’s death toll to 12.

The four learners Hlompho, Reneilwe, Thato and Sihle Hlalele were aged between 7-12 years. They were in grades 2, 3, 5 and 7.

Their uncle Aviva Manqa, described the children as clever and says they had bright futures ahead of them.

Manqa admits that the children were being transported in a vehicle that was not conducive or safe, as the driver used buckets and tins as car seats.

However, officials say the minibus taxi was roadworthy.

The learners attended Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville.

At least eight of them are said to have survived. Seven have since been discharged from hospital, whilst one had to be transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for further medical care.

Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide.

Meanwhile, DNA testing to identify the other victims will begin Friday morning.

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, says they hope to conclude the DNA tests as soon as possible.

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, says the devastating crash highlights the urgent need for better regulation of scholar transport.

The MEC has appealed to parents to inspect the condition of the vehicles their children use.

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also added his voice and sent his condolences to the families of the 11 learners.

He says the loss of such young lives at the start of a new school term has touched the entire nation.

President @CyrilRamaphosa is deeply saddened by the deaths of 12 learners from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville in a road incident in the Merafong City municipal area on Gauteng’s West Rand today, 10 July 2024. https://t.co/cIGZFscear

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 10, 2024

To find your child in that state with little answer to what happened is truly heartbreaking. Wishing all the families comfort at this unimaginably difficult time. 🤍

— Chatter Chronicle (@Chroniclechat) July 11, 2024

The screams,pain,agony of the little voices.

— Village girl (@MahlakoT44042) July 11, 2024

That four of the 12 children who died in yesterday morning’s school transport accident came from one home is absolutely heartbreaking. They might be born of two siblings but damn!!!

— Ntsandvo (@ntsandvose) July 11, 2024