The provincial spokesperson, Elias Malindi says the 12-year-old Tebogo Motsemme, a female grade 5 learner; the 9-year-old Thando Lewane and the 9-year-old Cristina Mashai, both female learners in grade 3; the 8-year-old Orenele Seroalo, a grade 2 female learner; and the 7-year-old grade 1 learner, Mahlohonolo Mapheto, passed away on Thursday 18 August 2022.

According to Malindi, the incident occurred on Thursday when a mini truck, travelling from Potchefstroom towards Johannesburg on the N12 road, overturned after its front wheel burst and the driver lost control of the vehicle. Malindi adds that the mini truck then went straight through the school fence, plunging into nine learners and killing five. Malindi says the four other learners were taken to hospital.

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“The North West Department of Education wishes to clarify the confusion on the number of the Vyfhoek Primary School learners in Potchefstroom who died in a mini truck accident - it remains five, and not seven as reported by some media houses.

“MEC Matsemela further highlighted that the memorial service will be held at the Madiba Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom on Thursday 25 August 2022 at 12:00,” said Malindi.

He says the funeral arrangements will be communicated once all the bereaved families agree on the dates and time.

Meanwhile, one of the four learners was discharged on Friday, while the other three remain in hospital.

OFM News