A group of learners who were involved in a fatal accident in Mitchel’s Plain, Cape Town earlier today were being transported in a bakkie. The learners were from various schools in the area, including Wespoort Primary, Lenteguer High, Duneside Primary, Harvester Primary, Highlands Primary and Ridgeville Primary.
According to reports, the incident occurred on AZ Berman Drive near the Promenade Mall. Emergency services responded to the call at 07h42. Two of the deceased learners had to be extricated from the vehicle. Another male learner sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Groote Schuur Hospital. A male learner with mild injuries was also transported to Mitchells Plain CHC for treatment.
Elton-Enrique Jansen, the councilor of ward 43 where the incident happened in his area announced the affected schools. Jansen expressed his shock and sadness at the loss of young lives, and offered his condolences to the families and community members affected by the tragedy.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a police spokesman confirmed that the Mitchell’s Plain police had registered a culpable homicide case for investigation. He said a man have been arrested.
“This office can confirm that five children between the ages seven and 11 years old succumbed to injuries sustained. The 55 year old driver was arrested on a charge of culpable homicide and will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates court once he has been charged. We can also confirm that two children six and 15 years old were transported to hospital for medical treatment,” said Twigg.
