A 26-year-old minibus driver has been released on bail of R1 500, following his arrest related to an accident in Swartklip Road on Wednesday October 2, in which a Grade 8 schoolgirl died.
According to Brigadier Brian Muller, station commander of Mitchell’s Plain police station, the man appeared in court on charges of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and driving a motor vehicle without a licence.
“The suspect was released on bail, on condition that he does not enter Khayelitsha. The case has been postponed to December 10, 2024,” Brigadier Muller said.
Maxine Bezuidenhout, spokesperson for City Traffic Services, said the driver of the minibus lost control of his vehicle while allegedly overtaking another vehicle on Swartklip Road, between Spine and Tafelberg roads.
The minibus overturned, claiming the life of the Grade 8 pupil from Gateway High in Ottery and injuring several other pupils, all from schools in the southern suburbs.
“One girl was fatally injured and a further 28 were injured. They were taken to the Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain district hospitals,” Ms Bezuidenhout said.
Councillor Solomon Philander, chairperson of the Wolfgat Sub-council, which includes wards in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha, issued a brief statement shortly after the incident last Wednesday.
“On behalf of Sub-council 12, we convey our condolences to the affected family [of the deceased] and wish them strength during this time,” he said.
On Friday October 4, Isaac Sileku, MEC for Mobility, said he was deeply saddened by the tragic accident, which resulted in the heartbreaking loss of a young life.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish a swift recovery to those who were injured. The safety and well-being of our children are of the utmost importance, and this incident is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life,” he said.
Bronagh Hammond, director of communications for the Western Cape Education Department, said while the accident involved pupils, the incident was not school-related. She said the pupils were travelling in a private transport vehicle.
On Monday October 7, Ms Hammond said the department was informed that all pupils were dismissed from hospital.
“The WCED has been notified of the name of the school where the deceased learner attends, and have provided counselling support. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the school community. It is tragic to lose such a young life. We wish all the other learners the best in their recovery and will provide support where required,” she said.
Differentiating between private transport, which involves parent and public transport, and the WCED’s learner transport scheme, Ms Hammond said the department transports over 65 000 pupils daily as part of its transport scheme.
“Transportation of learners via the learner transport scheme relates to learners living outside of a 5km radius to their nearest school and where no public transportation is available,” she explained.
Ms Hammond said the Western Cape does not have “feeder zones” and therefore pupils can attend schools outside of their immediate community.
“That is why so many learners opt to attend schools in other areas, such as Sea Point and the City Bowl, which also caters for learners from outside the area. Learners travelling to these schools, are required to arrange for private transportation,” she added.
