LIMPOPO – More than 30 learners had to be rushed to the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital after a bus transporting learners veered off a small bridge at Manavhela village last Thursday.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Tshifhiwa Radzilani, the bus was transporting learners to various villages around the Sinthumule and Kutama area after school when the incident occurred. Most of the learners are from Tshilwavhusiku Razwimisani Special School.
Some of the injured children have in the meantime been discharged from hospital and Radzilani confirmed that the police are investigating a case of negligent driving.
Spokesperson for Phadziri bus company, Nkhangweni Phadziri told CV that they meet 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 their 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.
