More than 30 learners injured in bus accident

More than 30 school children were rushed to Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital after a Phadziri bus transporting learners veered off a small bridge at Manavhela village on Thursday, 19 October.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Tshifhiwa Radzilani, the bus was transporting the learners to various villages around the Sinthumule and Kutama area after school when the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle. Most of the learners are from Tshilwavhusiku Razwimisani Special School. Some of the injured children have already been discharged from the hospital. Radzilani said the police were investigating a case of negligent driving.

Speaking to Limpopo Mirror, one of the parents of the injured learners said they as parents had lodged several complaints about unroadworthy buses long before the accident. He mentioned that every time they complained about the unroadworthy and overloaded buses, they faced victimisation and were told not to use their “only means of transport” again. “The bus management promised to address the matter, but nothing has happened,” said the parent.

The spokesperson for the Phadziri bus company, Mr. Nkhangweni Phadziri, stated that they met with road and transport officers every month to ensure the roadworthiness of all their buses. He emphasised the importance of adhering to necessary regulatory measures before allowing buses to transport passengers. “The safety of commuters is of utmost importance to us. Our commuters are like family to us. We transport these learners and other community members daily from their homes to school and work,” he said.

Phadziri invited commuters to report any instances of reckless driving by dialling the numbers displayed on the buses or reporting the incidents to the commuters committee, who would, in turn, report these to the company’s management. He added that disciplinary measures were taken against drivers accused of negligent driving, and such drivers were suspended if found guilty.

Date:26 October 2023

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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