Hlalele family grieves loss of four children in Carltonville crash

A Johannesburg family is grieving the loss of four children in Wednesday’s deadly Carletonville crash.

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Eleven pupils and the driver were killed when a bakkie hit the minibus taxi they were travelling, causing it to overturn and burst into flames.

The death toll has been revised to 11 children, down from the initial 12.

Four of the victims came from the Hlalele family.

Their spokesperson, Aviva Manqa, told the media on Thursday that the family has found comfort in the government’s support. 

“Firstly, we are very grateful for receiving support from the two MECs because it is when such bad things happen that one looks to see what those who govern us have to say about this misfortune.

“When we saw the Transport and Education MECs walk in, we knew that at least we had the support. We have received messages of support from the premier’s office, saying that they are also hurting like us. 

Manqa said the family wants authorities to establish the cause of the fiery crash. 

“Our major concern is really what happened. The children’s grandmother told the MEC about the state of the taxi that the children were in. The taxi carried the children, but it did not have good-quality seats. The children used buckets as seats.

“We, as the family, only want the investigations to be concluded quickly so that we can have closure.

Speaking outside the Hlalele family home, Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said her department is investigating whether the taxi was licensed to transport children.

“The team is busy with investigations, so we are able to give answers. For now, we do not have answers. We do not know whether the car was licensed accordingly and whether the owner had a permit to transport children. 

“I need the service providers to start caring enough for our children, let’s not think profits only. This is our future as the country, and we cannot subject them to what they are subjected to on a daily basis.”

At the same time, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said they are working to conclude the DNA tests as soon as possible.

“Because of the emergency of the matter, we requested for the DNAs to be concluded quickly. Some families want to lay their children to rest by Saturday.”