Mourners during the memorial service of the six pupils who died in a crash in Mpumalanga. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza
EMOTIONS ran high at Sekhululiwe Community Hall on Wednesday, 7 August, as family members and mourners remembered the six pupils who tragically lost their lives in a crash involving a scholar bus and a goods train on Wednesday, 31 July.
Family members sobbed uncontrollably as the names of the dead pupils were read out.
The memorial service of the six pupils, who died in a crash in Mpumalanga, became emotional as their names were called out. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza
Sinenhlanhla Sibanyoni (18), Joseph Mabena (17), Sibusiso Mokoneni (16), Prudence Masina (17) and Nomfundo Sibanyoni (18) died at the scene of the accident.
Katlego Majutle (14) succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
The accident occurred on the R104 road in Mafube Village between Wonderfontein and Arnot.
It’s alleged pupils tried to stop the driver from crossing the rail line as the train was fast approaching.
Several kids were hospitalised and treated for injuries.
At least, two of the pupils are still in a critical condition.
Karabo Mashego, a grade 11 pupil, leading the class with one of the victims, Nomfundo Sibanyoni, told Daily Sun it will be difficult to carry out his duties without her.
Six horror crash pupils were remembered this week. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza
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Karabo has described Nomfundo as a hard worker, leader and caring person.
She said when she learnt about the accident, he was left shattered.
“Having to handle this job alone reminds me of how Nomfundo used to be a good person for things I couldn’t handle. She’s left me in a space where I won’t be able to handle all these things by myself,” Karabo said.
She mentioned that her classmate had ambitious aspirations and aimed to pursue further studies at the University of Cape Town.
Selina Mashegoane, Katlego Majutle’s gogo, said her granddaughter had just returned from initiation school in Limpopo.
“We didn’t expect that this would happen,” she said
Katlego’s sister, who is still hospitalised, had to learn about her sister’s death this week.
Mourners had mixed emotions at the school bus accident memorial service for the six schoolkids who died recently. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza
She said she had been asking about Katlego’s whereabouts.
“We still want to know what pushed the driver to continue driving when told to stop. Maybe if he explained why he did this we’ll, at least, find closure as a family. Why didn’t he listen?” she asked.
Joane Maseko, whose kids were in the bus, said they are still traumatised and don’t want to board any of the buses.
“My children no longer trust the buses. Since the incident, they’ve been struggling to sleep and don’t want to use the buses anymore.”
A joint funeral will be held for the pupils on Saturday, 10 July at Mafube Village.
Mpumalanga education MEC Cathy Dlamini said pupils will be moved from the school on Monday, 12 August, stating that the department has prioritised their safety.
The bus driver has not been arrested yet.
Bulelwa Ginindza
www.snl24.com
