An N12 Crash near Daveyton took the lives of four pupils and devastated an entire community. Ekurhuleni’s families began their school days on Monday, March 10, 2025, like every other day. Parents hugged goodbye to their children, expecting them home later in the afternoon. Four young children’s journeys to school ended tragically for them. The crash near Daveyton took their lives and devastated an entire community.
Four Ekurhuleni Pupils killed, and several others were seriously injured. Families are grieving, communities are in shock, and authorities face tough questions regarding road safety.
What we know about the tragic N12 crash
The fatal accident occurred just before 7 AM. The collision involved a Toyota Verso used to transport scholars and a Toyota Hilux pickup truck. Eyewitnesses report seeing a naked man in the middle of the highway just moments before the crash. The man has been taken into custody by law enforcement officials.
The scene was horrifying when emergency responders arrived. The children were trapped in the wrecked car, and passersby watched as paramedics attempted to save their lives. Four children were sadly declared dead on the spot, and others were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Remembering the Victims
The four Ekurhuleni students killed were just starting their school careers:
- Two brothers, both in grades 1 and 3, from Tom Newby Primary School.
- One Grade 1 student from Rynfield Primary school.
- Unidentified Grade R student from an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD).
Their families are in an unimaginable state of grief. The morning began with routine school preparations and excitement but was shattered when they learned that their children would not be returning home.
A Community in Mourning
The pain is not confined to the families of victims. The loss of their friends is not only felt by the families but also by schools, teachers, and students. The Gauteng Department of Education sent its Psycho-Social Support Unit to help affected schools.
Matome Chiloane, Gauteng Education Minister, shared his sadness.
This is a tragedy that cannot be described. In a blink of an eye young lives were taken, leaving behind parents who are heartbroken and grieving students. “Our priority is to provide support for the families, and make sure our students receive the care they require.”
Road Safety and Scholar Transport Issues
The N12 crash has rekindled concerns over the safety and reliability of South African scholar transport. The N12 crash has reignited concerns about the safety of scholar transport in South Africa.
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Expert Advice on Transport Safety
Dr. Mpho Mlamini, an expert in road safety from the South African Road Safety Council, warned against the dangers of non-compliant scholar transportation services.
There are too many scholars who ignore basic safety rules. To stop these tragedies, we need more strict enforcement, regular vehicle inspections and driver training.
The Gauteng Traffic Police has vowed that they will intensify their patrols and punish transport operators who do not meet safety standards. These promises are too late for many parents.
Families Demand Action
Road safety discussions for grieving families are not just policy debates but are also deeply personal. Parents have voiced their anger and fear at candlelight vigils, community meetings ,and other gatherings. Many parents are wondering how a normal school trip became a nightmare.
Thando Maseko, a local activist and parent, has voiced the frustrations of many.
Are these services really safe for our children? How many children must die before real change is made?
How to prevent future tragedies
The N12 crash sent a strong message that urgent action was needed to protect South Africa’s children. The following are some of the steps that the authorities should take:
- Strict safety rules for student transport services
- Vehicle inspections are mandatory to prevent unsafe transportation conditions.
- All drivers transporting children must undergo thorough vetting and training.
- Increased visibility of law enforcement in order to ensure compliance with road traffic laws
The Gauteng Provincial Government pledged to improve safety and review student transport policies. Families who have lost children to road accidents are hopeful that these promises will result in real and lasting changes.
A Call for Change
The N12 crash, which claimed the lives of Ekurhuleni students, is more than a tragic accident. It is a heartbreaking warning of the importance of road safety. South Africans should demand stricter enforcement and better conditions for transport while investigations are ongoing.
The lives of the grieving families who have lost their children will never be the Same. They only hope that other parents won’t have to suffer the same pain.
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