Drunk Scholar transport driver arrested following death of a learner

A 31-year-old scholar transport driver was arrested following the death of a seven-year-old learner along the R555 road next to Marikana Village in Roossenekal, Limpopo, on Wednesday.

Police received a complaint about a motor vehicle accident, and upon arrival at the scene, they found a white Toyota Avanza that had sustained extensive damage.

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15 schoolchildren, all learners from Laerskool Roossenekal and residing in Ngwaabe village, were found lying on the road with multiple injuries.

Sadly, one of the learners, a seven-year-old boy, was certified dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services personnel.

The other fourteen learners, comprising ten girls and four boys, were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Further probing established that the suspect was intoxicated at the time of the accident and was transporting more children than the vehicle is legally permitted to carry. 

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The suspect has since been charged with Culpable Homicide, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Inconsiderate Driving, and Overloading. He is expected to appear before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 August 2025.

Investigations are continuing to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragic incident.

Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family. She wished the injured learners a speedy recovery.

“Transporting children is a responsibility that demands the highest level of care and discipline,” said Lieutenant Hadebe.

“We will not tolerate reckless and unlawful behaviour that endangers the lives of our children. Law enforcement will deal decisively with such acts of negligence.”