FREE State MEC for Education Makalo Mohale visited the hospitalised pupils of the Riebeeckstad Hoerskool bus crash on Wednesday, 7 February, following a horrific bus crash where six pupils died on the scene.
The tragic accident took place on Tuesday, 6 February, on the R70 about 25 km from Senekal in Ventersburg.
Provincial police confirmed that six girls aged between 13 and 14 died, while four were injured and eight were seriously injured.
The bus carried forty-eight grade 8 learners, six grade 12 pupils and two teachers, one of whom was the bus driver.
The bus from Ribeeckstad High School was travelling from a camp outside Rosendal to Welkom.
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During the visit to the hospital, MEC Mohale at Bongani and Mediclinic hospitals said the pupils were seen as strong and recovering. Makalo was accompanied by MEC for Human Settlements and CoGTA, Ketso Makume, as well as Matjhabeng Mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipa.
Mohale expressed his condolences to the families who had lost their children in the accident.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time. May they find the strength to navigate through this unprecedented loss. It is in the face of adversity that our true resilience shines through. We must remember to unite in times of grief, offering support and compassion to those who need it most," he said.
Brigadier Motansi Makhele said they're investigating a case of culpable homicide, but it's still too early to hold anyone liable until it has been proven as such by the outcome of the investigations.
"The names of the deceased cannot be released at this stage, as the next of kin are still in a process of formally identifying them," said Makhele.
