The North West Department of Education wishes to clarify the confusion on the number of the Vyfhoek Primary School learners in Potchefstroom who died in a mini truck accident that still remains 5 not 7 as reported by other media houses.
On Thursday, 18 August 2022, a mini truck which was traveling from Potchefstroom towards the Johannesburg direction on the N12 road capsized after its front wheel tyre burst and the driver lost control of the vehicle, then went straight through the school fence plunging on nine learners and killing five of them.
Four learners were taken to hospital. At the moment one of the four learners was discharged from hospital on Friday, 19 August 2022. Now there are three learners who are still admitted at the hospital.
According to the school report the learners were waiting for their school
transport after school within the school premises.
Names of the deceased learners
1. Tebogo Reamogetse Motsemme:12 year old Grade 5 (female)
2. Thando Noxolo Lewane: 9 year old Grade 3 (Female)
3. Christina Lerato Mashai: 9 year old Grade 3 (Female)
4. Orenele Seroalo: 8 year old Grade 2 (Female)
5. Mahlohonolo Mapheto: 7 year old Grade 1 (Female)
The MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsemela indicated that a task team has been established to deal with the memorial service and the funeral arrangements.
“As a department we have established a task team which will deal with the memorial service and the funeral arrangements. This task team will work very closely with all the bereaved families.
“We are also working with other departments to ensure that psychosocial support is provided to all those who needs it.On Monday, 22 August 2022, learners will receive psychosocial support from our sister departments at school”, indicated MEC Matsemela.
MEC Matsemela further highlighted that the memorial service will be held at Madiba Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom on Thursday, 25 August 2022 at 12:00.
FUNERAL DETAILS THE LATE 5 VYFHOEK PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS
1. Joint funeral for the 3 families of Serwalo, Motsemme and Mashai
Date: Saturday, 27 August 2022
Time: 07:00 – 10:00
Venue: Ikageng Stadium, Potchefstroom
2. Thekiso family funeral
Date: Saturday, 27 August 2022
Time: 07:00 – 10:00
Venue: NICC Church (Ikageng Township)
3. Lewane family funeral
Date: Saturday, 27 August 2022
Time: 07:00 – 10:00
Venue: Lewane family home (Ikageng Township)
A joint burial for all the 5 funerals will take place at Heroes Acre in Potchefstroom.
The North West Department of Education is sending it’s condolences to all the bereaved families
For more information, please contact:
Elias Malindi
NW Edu Spokesperson
072 892 8399
