ALBERTON- Naledi Masupa (10), a pupil from Kenton Primary School died after a vehicle crashed into her and a fellow pupil, Muntothile Nhlapo, in Vermooten Street.
The accident happened a block away from the school on Monday, August 17, at 14:30.
According to a family member who contacted the RECORD and who wishes to remain anonymous, paramedics arrived at the scene and started resuscitating the seriously injured Naledi. The two girls were transferred to the Netcare Union Hospital. Naledi was later transferred to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital as her mother, who is a domestic worker, does not have a medical aid.
The family member said the hospital declared Naledi brain dead and she passed away at 02:00 on Tuesday, August 18.
Naledi’s mother, Emily Masupa says Naledi was a smiling child who loved people and had a lot of friends. “When I was sick she would hug me and say everything would be ok. She nursed me and made me tea. She was a very funny child who always made us laugh. I want to thank the teachers at Kenton Primary School for all they did for Naledi and for helping with the funeral arrangements.”
Kenton Primary School created the Naledi fund and organised a memorial service for Naledi on Friday, August 21.
Emily, who has still not been able to see Naledi’s remains, is heartbroken. The pathologist presiding over the case at Baragwanath is reportedly still conducting the autopsy.
Emily hopes to be able to collect her daughters’ remains on Monday, August 24. The burial will be held in Bethlehem.
Comment from Kenton Primary School headmistress, Cheryl Young:
Following the tragic passing of 10-year-old Naledi Masupa and injuries to Muntothile Nhlapo, the headmistress of Kenton Primary School, Cheryl Young, spoke to the RECORD and said that they take the safety of pupils seriously.
She says the two girls left after school and were presumably on their way home. The school received a call at about 14:30 informing them that there had been an accident. The school deputy and the HOD went to the scene and confirmed that two Kenton pupils were involved.
The accident happened in Vermooten Street, which is a busy road a block away from the school and not outside the school. Kenton Primary School has a permanent security guard who is often at school as late as 17:00. He waits with pupils whose parents cannot collect them after school.
Cheryl has confirmed that the school will appeal to the traffic department for a pointsman to be positioned in Vermooten Street. This appointment will also ensure that pupils cross at the robot instead of in the middle of the road. They cannot appoint a scholar patrol for Vermooten Street as it is too far away and too busy, but they do need help for the pupils who have to cross this busy road after school.
At the time of going to print, Brackenhurst SAPS made the following statement: “The investigating officer of case 171/08/2015 is Sergeant Aubrey Mamadisa. He will obtain a warning statement and the docket will be sent to court where a senior public prosecutor will make a decision. The outcome will guide us as to the nature of the charge”.
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