17 May 2007
KZN Education MEC Ina Cronje and Education head Dr Cassius Lubisi have
expressed their shock at the death of four school children in two accidents
yesterday, 16 May 2007.
In a hit and run accident in the Jozini area two five year olds (Grade R)
and a grade one learner (8 years) died when a vehicle ploughed into them while
they were walking from home to school in a residential area. Nomzamo Ntuli (5),
Lungani Xabu (5) and Ntombikhona Dlamini (8) were all from Siqaqathi Lower
Primary. Another learner is in a critical condition in hospital.
In another accident a grade 10 learner from Dwaleni High School in Pongola
died after being run over by a truck. The learners were on their way to
Richards Bay - apparently on an outing - when the taxi broke down. While
waiting for help to arrive the children allegedly danced on the road when the
truck hit Mthobisi Zikhalala (16).
MEC Cronje and the education department have sent condolences to the
families of the children, their friends and teachers. Officials also visited
Siqaqathi Lower Primary and counsellors will be sent to the school.
MEC Cronje will visit Siqaqathi and the families of the children on Monday,
while she will visit Dwaleni High and Mthobisi's family later in the week.
"We pray that our children's parents will find the strength during this very
traumatic time. We are very sorry that their young lives ended like this,"
Cronje said. She urged motorists to be extra careful when driving in an area
where children are around.
Enquiries:
Christi Naude
Acting manager: Media and Citizen Liaison
KwaZulu-Natal Education
Cell: 083 262 8829
Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
17 May 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)
