” I’m scared, and I’m not okay”: Tears flow as Sebokeng community bids farewell to three killed in Vanderbijlpark crash

Amid tears and wailing, a profound sense of loss engulfed the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng on Sunday as families and friends bid a farewell to three victims of the recent scholar transport accident.

Fourteen pupils lost their lives when a scholar transport minibus taxi collided with a truck on Monday, January 19, on the R533.

On Sunday, six-year-old Ofentse Jayden Vinger, Thato Moetji (17), and Bokamoso Mokhomo (12), were remembered in a ceremony.

The funeral service was also attended by Gauteng Premier, Panya Lesufi, MECs of Education Matome Chiloane and Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, among others.

Vinger, was a Grade 1 learner from Oliver Lodge Primary School. Family representative Mamotse Madlela read out a letter from his mother: “Ao ngwana waka hle, you were so young, I only had you for six years. Not knowing you will only go to school for three days. The whole week I have been so angry with God, you left a void in my heart that no one will ever fill.”

Madlela said Vinger’s mother will never recover from the tragedy.

“I’m not okay, and I never will be. I feel like I am dreaming. I keep hoping I am dreaming and that someone will wake me up and tell me this is just a prank.

“You were supposed to be burying me and not the other way round,” Madlela said.

Moetji’s friend Sibongile Miya recalled taking TikTok videos with her, stating: “My friend was literally happy on Friday, the 16th of January, and I did not think that it would be our last day together. I’m scared, and I’m not okay.”

The joint funeral followed another emotional gathering on Saturday, where Phehello Motaung (18) and Lesgo Sefatsa (7) were also remembered

On Sunday, Felani Mavundla, Lesego Sefatsa’s mother, remembered her daughter as a vibrant spirit who loved both school and church, while Phehello Motaung’s sister described him as equally joyous.

During his address, Lesufi referred to the tragedy as the most hurtful event of the province’s recent past, and committed the province to fixing the situation that has led to the death of the learners.

“We come here hurt, disappointed, disturbed, limping, and our emotions drained. Since the passing, our lives have never been the same. Our country remains in mourning. As we gather here to bid farewell, we are determined to fix what we need to fix. We can’t have a situation where a road to school must lead our children to graveyards,” the Premier said.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane stressed the need for accountability for the accident. He called for the law to take its course against the 22-year-old driver, who was alleged to have been operating the vehicle without a valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP) at the time of the crash.

“There must be consequences against the driver of the minibus taxi. The driver violated the compliance aspect of the law. Therefore, he should be held accountable,” he said.

“The owner of the vehicle should also be among those appearing in court for having entrusted their vehicle to someone without a PDP. They should have known better,” he added, reflecting the community’s urgent demand for justice.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za