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.
"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
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