Pupil dies in freak accident as transport comes under scrutiny
THE safety of schoolchildren being transported in bakkies is once again in the spotlight after the tragic death of a child in Richards Bay on Monday.
The conditions of their vehicles, driver's and car licences, as well as overloading, are ongoing concerns around pupil safety.
In Monday's incident, Lethokuhle Shobede (6), a Grade 2 pupil at Richardia Primary School, died on her way to school after reportedly falling from the back of the bakkie in which she was being transported.
According to a witness, the vehicle was on its last pick-up of the morning in Current, Mzingazi when the accident occurred.
Reports indicate the driver was travelling up a small hill when the child fell off the back.
Witnesses watched in horror as the driver, who was unaware the child had fallen, reversed over her. She died at the scene from injuries sustained.
Police arrived to find a group of confused and traumatised pupils grieving for their schoolmate.
King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase said a case of culpable homicide was opened.
‘God help us’
A call for divine intervention was made when members of the Scholar Transport Association in Nhlabane held a prayer
meeting in Richards Bay that morning.
Chairperson Bheki Zungu said, “We are grieving with the family and we wish them comfort.”
He encouraged drivers to shift from bakkies to minibuses for enhanced child safety on the roads.
“As the association, we will ensure drivers have valid licences to be on the road and to carry passengers,” continued Zungu, who called for calm as police continue the investigation.