Tebogo Msimanga |
Five school children between the ages of five (5) and thirteen (13 died, after being hit by a truck. This happened on the N12, a few kilometres outside of Potchefstroom. Six more learners are injured and were rushed to the hospital.
It is alleged that the truck driver lost control and drove towards the learners as they were standing by the school gate and hit them.
North West MEC for the department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari expressed sadness by the tragic news. “This is indeed a tragedy. These children could have been our future leaders. As the government, we are deeply devastated to hear of the loss.” said MEC Lehari.
Meanwhile, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Chairperson Sebegoe called for a thorough investigation of the accident including the sobriety of the driver, roadworthiness of the truck and the speed it was doing when the accident occurred.
“We hope that necessary psychosocial support will be offered to affected families including traumatized learners and teachers at the school as soon as possible”.
