A seven year old Grade 1 learner died and a member of a scholar patrol team was seriously injured after they were knocked down by a construction bakkie near a pedestrian crossing on the Magogoe Koi-Koi road outside Mafikeng on Friday morning.
It is alleged that a Ford Ranger Construction bakkie hit the two girls a few meters from a pedestrian crossing near the Old Apostolic Church in Magogoe Koi-Koi’s Tloung Section at around 7:00 am. A bus that had stopped at the pedestrian crossing is suspected to have obstructed the view of the construction vehicle for the driver to see the seven year old learner who was about to cross in front of the bus on her way to school.
Twelve year-old Onalenna Radebe, a member of a road safety scholar patrol team from Seetsele Primary School that was preparing to set for their morning operation at the pedestrian crossing tried to pull back the younger learner after realising that she was dashing cross the road unaware of the bakkie but was also knocked down by the bakkie.
The younger learner sustained serious injuries and died on the spot while Onalenna was rushed to Bophelong Provincial Hospital. Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide, unlawful parking, reckless and or negligent driving.
North West Acting MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety an Laison, Dr Magome Masike has hailed Onalerona Radebe as a selfless, courageous young girl and a Road Safety Ambassador who risked her life trying to save the life of another.
In conveying condolences to the family of the learner who lost her life in the accident and wishing the injured Onalenna Radebe a speedy recovery, MEC Masike appealed to motorists to reduce speeding as they approach pedestrian crossings particularly during rush hours.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: (018)381 9123
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
