Four kids from one family killed in scholar transport crash 

By Everson Luhanga

The Hlalele family has lost four of its members.

The children were among the 12 victims who died in a horror crash that happened in Merafong, Gauteng, on Wednesday morning. 

The children died together with the driver of the minibus taxi they were travelling in when a Ford Ranger bakkie hit them from behind. The minibus caught alight and some of the children burnt beyond recognition.

It has now been found that four of the victims came from the same family.

The Hlaleles’ spokesperson, Aviva Manqa, told the media on Thursday that the family has found comfort in the government’s support. 

“Firstly, we are very grateful for receiving support from the two MECs because it is when such bad things happen that one looks to see what those who govern us have to say about this misfortune.

“When we saw the Transport and Education MECs walk in, we knew that at least we had their support. We have received messages of support from the premier’s office, saying that they are also hurting like us.”

Manqa said the family wants those in power to find the cause of the horror crash that sent shockwaves across the country.

“Our major concern is to know what happened.

“The children’s grandmother told the MEC about the state of the taxi that the children were in. The taxi carried the children, but it did not have good-quality seats. The children used buckets as seats.

“We want closure,” Manqa said.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said they are completing DNA tests as part of their investigations.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his sympathy to the families of the 12 children.

In a statement, the president offered his deepest condolences to the families, friends, fellow learners and educators of the deceased children.

“The President also wishes a speedy and full recovery to seven learners who suffered injuries in the incident.

“The loss of such young lives at the start of a new school term touches all of us as a nation.

“We wish the affected families and school communities the best as they mourn the passing of children who have been deprived of fulfilling their potential and spending their lives with families and friends,” read the statement.

Chairman of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Midday Mali said they have been concerned about the ongoing issue of overloading in scholar transport vehicles, which poses a serious risk to the lives of children.

“We urge law enforcement agencies to heighten their efforts in enforcing road safety regulations, particularly at checkpoints for scholar transport vehicles,” he said.

Pictured above: The four children from the Hlalele family that died in Wednesday’s horror crash.

Source Supplied