It is with sadness that the North West Department of Education confirms a tragic death of five Vyfhoek Primary School learners, in Potchefstroom, who were run over by a mini truck inside their school premises in the afternoon (14:00) of Thursday, 18 August 2022.

Please be sensitised that this is graphic statement.

The mini truck is reported to have been traveling from Potchefstroom towards the Johannesburg direction on the N12 road and capsized after a front wheel tyre burst and the driver lost control of the vehicle, then went straight through the school fence plunging on four learners, and killing them on the spot while one died in the ambulance at the scene while the paramedics were still attending to her injuries.

Four learners are in hospital. More report on their condition will be issued.

According to the school report the learners were waiting for their school transport after school within the school premises.

MEC for Education in the North West province Mmaphefo Matsemela is devastated about the incident and calls for cooperation during this difficult time.

“This is the most devastating news to share. Losing five learners in this manner is not easy to accept- as a parent and as a caretaker to these learners.

“We are truly lost for words and we plead with the public to treat the matter with sensitivity as parents are still trying to get into terms with this sudden loss.

“I wish to send a word of comfort to the bereaved families and for those whose learners are hospitalised”, expressed Matsemela.

This is a developing story.

For more information, please contact:

Elias Malindi
NW Edu Spokesperson
072 892 8399