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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is deeply saddened by reports that six people, including five learners, have been killed in a bus crash near the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Northern Natal.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who have passed away under such horrific circumstances. We also wish those who have been injured a speedy recovery and ask that the families lean on faith and prayer during this extremely difficult time.

The school children – in Grade 10 and 11 at Mchitheki High School in Nongoma - were on an educational tour to Durban earlier today when the tragic incident took place. The cause of the accident is unknown at this stage and reports indicate that there may be more learners trapped under the bus.

Our province’s roads have become death traps while learner transport remains largely problematic, with several modes of transport unregulated. Today’s incident also comes just short of a year after 18 primary school children, a teacher and a driver lost their lives near Phongola.

The DA calls on KZN Education MEC, Mbali Frazer, to institute an urgent investigation into today’s incident and to work closely with her Transport counterpart, Sipho Hlomuka and other stakeholders.

It is critical that this does not drag on unnecessarily in order for the parents who have lost their children to find some form of closure.

In this regard, we also call on KZN’s Department of Health forensic pathology services to ensure that all procedures are properly fulfilled as soon as possible. Equally, the Office of the Premier – which is a co-ordinating department – must step in to ensure that all of this takes place.

The families of the children who have lost their lives today cannot be subjected to any further pain and suffering. The DA will continue to monitor developments and will ensure that KZN’s government plays the role it is meant to.

Issued by Dr Imran Keeka, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Education