MEC for Community Safety in Mpumalanga has called for a thorough investigation into the cause of an accident that claimed six lives of primary school learners. The accident happened at Mafube village, under Emakhazeni Local municipality in Mpumalanga, where a bus ferrying learners from Morelig Primary School collided with a train on Wednesday afternoon.

CALL FOR INVESTIGATION 

Provincial Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said that the bus was transporting about 30 learners. It is alleged that the bus crossed a railway line while the train was too close and resulted in the crash. "Five learners lost their lives instantly, while eleven sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital. Eleven others, including the bus driver and train operator, sustained minor injuries," he said. MEC Jackie Macie has called for a thorough investigation into the crash. "The law must take its course to punish whosoever is found in the wrong. We cannot lose such young and innocent lives due to recklessness. People need to take accountability for their negligence," the MEC said. He added, "Scholar transport and public transport owners must screen drivers before hiring them to know if they are really fit to be trusted with transporting people. They must also regularly educate them, test them and train them to avoid these kinds of incidences." 

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO EXAMINE THE ACCIDENT SCENE

The Mpumalanga Department of Education MEC Cathy Dlamini, deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube will visit the scene of the accident, the victims who are still in hospital, the families of the learners who passed away. Dlamini said that an investigation into the matter has resumed and that, as government officials, they will be getting a report on the matter during their visit with the Minister today. Gwarube has also sent condolences to the families of the learners.