BUSHBUCKRIDGE – This comes shortly after two Mkhuhlu-based matric learners were hit and killed by a taxi driver last week.
According to preliminary reports, four pupils of Makhosana Manzini High School under Mkhuhlu Circuit had just finished writing their preliminary examination, and were on their way home when they were hit by the vehicle, leaving two dead and two others hospitalised.
“We are deeply saddened by such incidents that leave young people, especially learners killed on our roads due to negligence. It is for this reason why, as the Congress of South African Students (Cosas), we call on the industry and all the different associations to be the ones on the forefront and ensure that they conduct workshops and programmes so their drivers operate safely on the roads.
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“The issue of unruly taxi operators isn’t a new thing, it has always been there. They are well known for being reckless the world over, not just here,” said Brilliant Mncina, Cosas’ acting secretary. She said they were deeply hurt about the killing of the two students and vowed to never stop making noise demanding justice for them.
Meanwhile, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Tshabalala called for law-enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned and ensure that justice prevails.
Tshabalala, along with a team of traffic officials, visited the families of the two diseased learners. “There are no excuses here. This incident could have been avoided. There is no amount of money that could replace the pain the two families are going through now.
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“As government, we will work together with the police to ensure that the law takes it course. It becomes a problem when we see such incidents happening and being committed by people who should be protecting the community, since they are working with residents. We will make sure justice prevails,” she said.
