Heartbreak in Limpopo: Scholar Transport Tragedy Claims Life of Seven-Year-Old

The community of Roossenekal, Limpopo, has been left shattered after a tragic scholar transport accident claimed the life of a young learner and left 14 others injured.

The devastating crash happened on Wednesday along the R555 road near Marikana Village. A group of schoolchildren from Laerskool Roossenekal, all hailing from Ngwaabe village, were on their way home when their transport overturned.

In heartbreaking scenes, 15 children were found lying on the road, crying in pain and confusion. Sadly, a seven-year-old boy could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene. Emergency personnel rushed the other 14 learners — ten girls and four boys — to hospital for urgent treatment.

Investigations revealed that the driver, a 31-year-old man entrusted with the children’s safety, was allegedly drunk at the time of the accident. He had also dangerously overloaded the vehicle, carrying more children than the law allows.

The suspect has been arrested and faces charges of Culpable Homicide, Driving Under the Influence, Inconsiderate Driving, and Overloading. He is due to appear in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 August 2025.

Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, sent her condolences to the grieving family and wished the injured children a speedy recovery.

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

“We will not tolerate reckless and unlawful behaviour that endangers the lives of our children.”

The incident has sparked anger and sorrow in the community, with many parents calling for stricter enforcement on scholar transport vehicles to ensure the safety of learners.

As investigations continue, one family now faces the unbearable pain of losing a child, while others pray for their children’s recovery.