Uncategorized
FIVE learners have died after a truck crashed into a school in Potchefstroom, North West.
The North West Department of Education has confirmed that the tragic deaths of five Vyfhoek
Primary School learners who were run over by a mini-truck inside their school premises.
The incident happened on Thursday.
The mini truck is reported to have been traveling from Potchefstroom towards the Johannesburg
direction on the N12 road and capsized after a front wheel tyre burst and the driver lost control of
the vehicle, then went straight through the school fence, plunging on four learners, and killing
them on the spot, while one died in the ambulance at the scene while the paramedics were still
attending to her injuries.
According to the Department’s spokesperson, Elias Malindi, four learners are in hospital, “more
report on their condition will be issued.”
According to the school report, the learners were waiting for their school transport after school
within the school premises.
MEC for Education in the North West province, Mmaphefo Matsemela, is devastated by the
incident and calls for cooperation during this difficult time.
“This is the most devastating news to share. Losing five learners in this manner is not easy to
accept- as a parent and as a caretaker to these learners,” she said.
“We are truly lost for words and we plead with the public to treat the matter with sensitivity as
parents are still trying to get into terms with this sudden loss.”
“I wish to send a word of comfort to the bereaved families and for those whose learners are
hospitalised,” said Matsemela.
Matsemela further indicated that a task team has been established to deal with the memorial
service and the funeral arrangements.
“As a department, we have established a task team which will deal with the memorial service
and the funeral arrangements. This task team will work very closely with all the bereaved
families. We are also working with other departments to ensure that psychosocial support is
provided to all those who need it,” she said.
Matsemela added that the memorial service will be held at Madiba Banquet Hall in
Potchefstroom on Thursday, 25 August 2022 at 12:00.
INSIDE EDUCATION