A five-year-old Grade R girl learner from Mamothalo Primary School in Ga-Molepo Village, Capricorn South Education District, Limpopo, has died after being hit by a scholar transport bus on Friday morning.
The Limpopo Department of Education confirmed the news in a media statement on Friday, October 24.
Limpopo Department of Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya said she is deeply saddened by the death of the learner.
“The learner was fatally injured this morning after being hit by a scholar transport bus.”
She said a preliminary report indicates that the bus drove over the learner, resulting in fatal injuries.
Lerule-Ramakhanya said the department is currently awaiting a detailed report to establish the full circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
She extended condolences to the affected family, school community and all those affected by the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of such a young life.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, educators, and learners during this painful time. I urge you to remain calm as investigations are currently underway,” said Lerule-Ramakhanya.
She said the department has dispatched officials from employee health and wellness to provide psychosocial support to the affected learners, teachers, and family members.
Last month, five learners died following a taxi crash in Imbali Township, KwaZulu-Natal, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed.
The fifth learner, a 15-year-old girl in Grade 9 at Zibukezulu High School, succumbed to her injuries at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment since the crash on September 11.
The Toyota Siyaya minibus in which she was travelling experienced brake failure while descending T22 Road, veered off course, struck a tree and crashed into Senzokuhle Pre-School.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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