Driver arrested for Mitchell's Plain's horrific accident

The driver who transported the learners in Tuesday’s horrific accident in Mitchell's Plain, has been arrested on a charge of culpable homicide. Western Cape police confirmed that the 55-year-old will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates court, soon.

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"This office can confirm that five children between the ages seven and 11 years old succumbed to injuries sustained. The 55-year-old driver was arrested on a charge of culpable homicide and will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates court once he has been charged. We can also confirm that two children six and 15 years old were transported to hospital for medical treatment,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

The Western Cape’s Mobility and Education Department released a joint statement, saying initial reports suggest that the bakkie in which the learners were being transported hit a traffic light, resulting in the children being thrown off the back of the bakkie.

‘’This was not a Western Cape Education Department learner transport vehicle and the Western Cape Government is fully supporting the South African Police Services’ (SAPS) investigation underway,’’ read the statement.

Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie and Education MEC, David Maynier visited the scene on Tuesday morning. Mackenzie called on parents or caregivers to provide their children with reliable transport.

‘’Two weeks ago I personally had a meeting with scholar transport operators here in Mitchell’s plain to look at any regulatory matters that can prevent them at being registered as scholar transport operators.

‘’Times are tough. People are using cheapest transport available and that comes with risk - That comes risk of unregistered drivers and unroadworthy vehicles. We do not know at this point, but once the investigation shows what the condition was of the vehicle. We implore with parents – we know times are tough, money is tight, but please try and use a driver that has a roadworthy vehicle and driver that has a license that operate legally on the road. They are carrying precious cargo; they are carrying our future,’’ added Mackenzie.

Maynier said counselling has been provided to the affected schools.

“Today is a sad day in this province. A tragic accident has taken the lives of five young learners. They are from Wespoort PS, Harvester PS, Ridgeville PS, Highlands PS, and Duneside PS. Two learners are receiving medical treatment, from Ridgeville PS and Lentegeur HS. Western Cape Education Department counselling support teams are supporting the affected schools.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George