One student died and 14 were injured after an accident involving a vehicle transporting students on Wednesday afternoon in KwaMashu.
According to the Minister of Transport and Human Settlements, Mr. Siboniso Duma, the driver has disappeared. In addition, the team met with the owner of the taxi who stated that he received a call from the driver informing him that the accident was caused by the brakes not working.
“We are asking the driver who has disappeared to surrender to the police.”
Duma added that he has assigned a team to visit the injured students and parents at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.
“The painful situation the children are facing that they have had to endure will take many years to heal.”
He went on to say that the police have started an investigation.
“The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is working with the SAPS as part of an investigation into whether taxis are fit to be on the road.”
Duma added that the education trustee Sipho Hlomuka will coordinate all intervention programs focusing on the welfare of students and teachers, the health trustee Nomagugu Simelane will ensure that injured students are given quality assistance and the public development trustee Mbali Shinga will send social workers who will provide psychological support and psychological counseling to students and families.