By Doreen Mokgolo
- Seven-year-old soccer lover Lubanzi Nhlapo died with three other children when a state vehicle crashed into their transport.
- The Grade 1 learner, who never went anywhere without his soccer ball, was killed instantly in the Monday morning crash.
Little Lubanzi Nhlapo, who never went anywhere without his soccer boots and ball, was among four children killed when an unmarked state vehicle crashed into their scholar transport on Monday.
The 7-year-old soccer fanatic from Rynfield Primary School died instantly when a speeding bakkie hit their vehicle from behind on the N12 Westbound near Putfontein in Ekurhuleni.
On the morning of his death, as always, Lubanzi had packed his beloved soccer ball and boots, ready for another day of playing his favourite sport with friends during break time and after school.
Three other children also lost their lives in the crash: Khethelo Zulu and Hlompho Mofokeng from Newby Primary School and Koos Malatjie from Griffcates Tutor Centre.
The two women drivers and four other children in the car were rushed to hospital where they are recovering. The bakkie driver was critically injured and had to be airlifted to hospital.
Lubanzi’s uncle described the horrific scene.
“That car was flying! All the children who were sitting in the back seats were dead or were badly injured,” he said.
“It is sad that people who are supposed to uphold the law are breaking it, putting innocent lives in danger.”
The family had only recently decided to let Lubanzi use scholar transport.
“We were transporting him when he started school but decided to put him in a school transport in February not knowing we are putting his safety at risk,” his uncle said.
Pictured above: Lubanzi Nhlapo.
Image source: Supplied by family
