It is with a sense of deep sadness and sorrow that we have learnt of the horrific accident which claimed the lives of eight school children from Zamimpilo Special School for physically and mentally challenged children.
The accident happened on the R66 between Ulundi and KwaCeza on Tuesday evening, last night.
According to reports a total of 20 learners were injured in the accident, some of them critically. This is a continuation of the sad commentary about safety in the roads of our province. We have recently seen a spike in accidents which have resulted in unnecessary injuries and deaths of young learners either as a result of driver negligence or mechanical defects.
What is disturbing is a report that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. He is currently under police guard at KwaCeza Hospital. We are calling upon law enforcement agencies to speed up this matter urgently just to send out a strong warning to other motorists. Enough is enough!!!!
Nine learners including a teacher are receiving medical attention at KwaCeza Hospital.
Two more learners have been lifted to Ngwelezane Hospital where they are receiving treatment. MEC for Education Senzo Mchunu has visited the scene of the accident and he has also visited the learners who are in hospitals.
We call upon owners and drivers of all types and classes of vehicles which transport members of the public, especially children, to be extra-vigilant in ensuring the roadworthiness of their vehicles. Lives are too precious to risk, and the loss of even one life is a loss too many. We also call upon our traffic enforcement agencies and authorities to employ more stringent measures to haul all unroadworthy and dangerous vehicles off our roads and impound them where necessary, while also issuing stiff penalties to the owners of such vehicles.
On behalf of the Government and people of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, I hereby offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families, next of kin and peers of the deceased.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Spokesperson: Dr Zweli Mkhize - Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal
Cell: 082 3754742
