Umamah Bakharia | ub@radioislam.co.za

5min read
20 September 2022 | 10:30 am CAT

The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature is demanding answers from the KZN MECs of Education and Transport on why schoolchildren were transported in a bakkie.

This comes as Pongola residents say the accident that claimed the lives of 19 school children and two adults was bound to happen. The accident occurred on the N2 when a truck travelling in the oncoming lane overtook another truck and crashed into a Toyota Hilux bakkie transporting the children.

Speaking to Radio Islam, IFP’s KZN transport spokesperson Steven Moodley says the issue of scholar transport has been raised numerous times.

“We have also raised the issue of lack of traffic police on our roads about why they are not deployed 24/7, because if there was traffic police [visible] reckless drivers could have been arrested,” says Moodley.

Residents of uPhongolo say they have warned the Department of Transport of the danger that the N2 has been following constant crashes.

“We are of the view that the truck driver must be held accountable together with teh both the department of education and transport,” says Moodley.

Meanwhile, the truck driver has been remanded in custody following his court appearance on Monday, and his bail application has been set for 26 September for further investigation.