A 47 year old bus driver who was arrested on Tuesday 14 May 2019, for culpable homicide, appeared at the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 16 May 2019.
It is alleged that on the said day at about 07:30, police in Groot Marico were called to an accident scene at the N4-skuinsdrif T-junction before the N4 road between Swartruggens and Zeerust. Upon arrival, the police found that the bus fell into a ditch and was lying on its side. The bus was transporting 49 learners of Thuto-Ke-Matla Secondary School and Phenyo Botlhe Primary from Doornlaagte to Groot Marico when the driver stopped to allow one passenger to alight.
According to information received, the driver got off the bus following an argument that ensued between him and a passenger.
After the driver alighted the bus, it then rolled backwards until it fell on its side. Allegedly some of the learners managed to jump off the bus while it was still reversing. Of the 49 learners, two learners, both boys, 19 year old Sedimogang Moreri and 14 year old Omphile Moreri were trapped in the bus and certified dead at the scene.
40 learners sustained minor and serious injuries and were transported to hospital for medical attention while 7 others sustained no injuries.
A case was registered and the 47 year old driver, Moseki Lucas Magwaba was arrested and charged with culpable homicide and an additional charge of reckless and/or negligent driving.
He made a brief appearance before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 16 May 2019. The accused was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 21 May 2019 when he will be appearing before the Groot Marico Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application. Investigation into the matter continues.
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