Grens boys still in hospital recovering

TWO of the nine Grens Hoërskool boys injured in a head-on collision on Sunday are still in hospital.

Principal Japie du Plessis confirmed this yesterday.

“We’ve sent a message to parents informing them that the boys are on the road to recovery and we were pleased to receive the news from the doctors as well.”

One pupil was airlifted and eight were rushed to hospital by ambulances after the school bus, transporting members of the school’s first cricket team home after a tournament in Uitenhage, collided with a car at the R72/M25 King William’s Town intersection.

Grade 9 pupil Clinton Bosman, 15, died in the accident.

Du Plessis said a fund had been set up for donations for the pupils who were involved in the accident, including for Clinton’s family.

“Anyone who wishes to make a donation is welcome to do so. The proceeds will go to the parents of the injured pupils and to the parents of the deceased,” he said.

The funeral service for Clinton will be held on Saturday at the Old Apostolic Church in Aloevale, Komani. The school will send pupils and teachers who want to be part of the service.

Parents and former pupils are also welcome to attend.

Du Plessis expressed gratitude for the overwhelming messages of support and tributes received from former pupils and staff based all over the country and abroad.

“We even received messages from ex-pupils overseas; we are really grateful for their support.”

Four-year-old Onisa Veletshona, who was in the other vehicle, also died in the crash.

Her father, Zola Phekuza, said his daughter’s funeral would also take place on Saturday.

Onisa’s mother Yandiswa Phekuza, who was also in the car, said there were nine people including herself and the driver in the vehicle, a hatchback.

The driver, who is a relative of the family, will appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday to face charges of drunken driving.

East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said more charges would be added.