Five young lives lost in a devastating multiple-vehicle collision in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. Images: Screenshot from video/Twitter/@Abramjee.
Transport MEC slams illegal scholar transport after fatal Mitchells Plain crash
Western Cape Transport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie condemned the use of illegal scholar transport after a fatal crash in Mitchells Plain.
Five young lives lost in a devastating multiple-vehicle collision in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. Images: Screenshot from video/Twitter/@Abramjee.
Five children on their way to school on Tuesday morning, 30 May, were killed in a multiple-vehicle crash along AZ Berman Drive in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. According to the Western Cape government, the bakkie transporting the learners reportedly hit a traffic light, and the children were flung from the vehicle.
READ: ‘Dark day for our city’ says mayor after five schoolchildren killed in Mitchells Plain crash
ILLEGAL SCHOLAR TRANSPORT INVOLVED IN MITCHELLS PLAIN CRASH
Western Cape Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie said the vehicle involved was not a provincial educational department scholar transport vehicle. He added that his department is fully supportive of the police’s culpable homicide investigation, which is underway.
Earlier on Tuesday, the City of Cape Town said a Golden Arrow bus and taxi were also involved in the accident.
“I am outraged by this accident involving a vehicle transporting learners illegally, resulting in these tragic and avoidable deaths. How many more children must we lose on our roads before the transportation of these precious lives is taken seriously by those driving the vehicles?
READ: Dominee charged with sexual assault, child pornography. Wife accused of helping – report
“Anyone who is transporting passengers – especially children whose bodies are more vulnerable to injury – has the weighty responsibility to keep them safe. Vehicles must be roadworthy; drivers must be qualified, and an operating licence is required to transport passengers. Cutting corners with any of these requirements and driving recklessly is a matter of life and death. My condolences and prayers go out to these parents who are now faced with the grief of losing a child, and those with children in the hospital,” said Mackenzie.
Members of the public who wish to report illegal and unsafe transport operators are encouraged to contact the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Department.
READ: Cholera outbreak: Two cases detected in North West
TWO LEARNERS IN HOSPITAL
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the learners killed in the Mitchells Plain crash are from Wespoort PS, Harvester PS, Ridgeville PS, Highlands PS, and Duneside PS.
Two other learners from Ridgeville Primary School and Lentegeur High School are receiving medical treatment.
READ: Average speed cameras: How they work and where they are
“Today is a sad day in this province. A tragic accident has taken the lives of five young learners… Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and the school communities. This is an unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are also with the learners currently being treated in hospital,” said Maynier.
The WCED counselling support teams are working with the affected schools.
READ: Crime Stats: Over 6000 people murdered in first three months of 2023
