The Gauteng Departments of Education and that of Health and Social Development have made progress with repatriating more victims of the Harrismith bus accident back to Gauteng. Six ambulances are on their way to Gauteng with eight more bus accident victims who will be transferred to local hospitals.
Seven of the victims will be transferred to Natalspruit hospital and one will be admitted at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. Last night 19 learners and one educator arrived in Johannesburg in a hospital bus after they were discharged from Thebe Hospital. Three of them are receiving treatment at Charlotte Maxeke hospital.
The department has organised a memorial service for Thursday, 6 October 2011 at Benoni City Hall. Buses will be organised to transport the community to the City Hall.
While initially we reported that there were 52 passengers, it turns out that one adult was left behind in Gauteng. Five learners and four educators died in the accident. The department is discussing with the Free State authorities regarding the finalisation of the post mortems so that bodies can be transported back to their families in Gauteng.
The names of the deceased are as follows:
- Moliehi Florence Ramphisa (Deputy Principal)
- Nomathamsanqa Theodora Mkhawana (Educator)
- Pitso Jacob Meko (Educator)
- Mapoloko Caroline Motaung
Learners are:
- Mbali Mpofu (13)
- Sinalo Zulu (13)
- Nomonde Mponde (12)
The department is still confirming the identity of two learners.
For more information contact:
Charles Phahlane
Tel: 011 355 1530
Cell: 071 860 4496
