Media Statement from North West Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

24 March 2014

The accused, 27 year-old Qawukeni Lwandile in a case of murder whereby a Toyota Avanza vehicle carrying 12 Little Put pre and primary school children was hit by a train at a railway level crossing on Thursday, 20 March 2014 at 14:30 between Zinniaville and Rustenburg North appeared in Rustenburg Magistrates' Court today.

The case was postponed until 2 April 2014 and the suspect will remain in custody. It is alleged that the driver decided to pass other motorists who were waiting at the train level crossing to allow an oncoming train to pass. The vehicle got stuck on the railway level crossing and the oncoming train hit the vehicle and dragged it resulting in the immediate death of an 8-year-old boy. All other children including the driver who were in the vehicle were transported to the Job Shimankane Tabane hospital where two children, a boy and girl, were certified dead on arrival. The third child passed on the following day in the morning at George Mukhari hospital where she was transferred to. Two other children were discharged from the hospital on Thursday and Friday last week respectively while the driver was discharged from the hospital on Friday, 21 March 2014, in the morning.

The Police are also investigating why 12 children were being transported in a vehicle which is not certified to ferrying passengers as a taxi. Police are also considering charging the driver with overload as well contravening the National Road Traffic Act.

The police would like to send a stern warning to all vehicle owners and parents who are allowing children to be transported in suitable vehicles as learner transport.

-End-

Media Enquiries:

Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone
Mobile: 082 496 9642