A Grade 3 pupil at the Theocentric Christian College at Masia, Craig Baloyi (8) of Olifanshoek, died in an accident at the Njakanjaka-Marholeni T-junction along the Giyani R578 road on Monday morning.

It is alleged that Baloyi was one of 21 pupils who were passengers in the taxi on their way to school, when the taxi collided with a BMW.

W/O Kedibone Mabatha of the Waterval SAPS explained to Limpopo Mirror what happened: “The taxi was coming from the  direction of Marholeni and made a U-turn and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Members of the traffic police and paramedics rushed to the scene and the injured were taken to the Elim Hospital for treatment. Four were later transferred to the Polokwane Provincial Hospital.”

Mabatha added that the police were investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving. “Further charges may be brought against the driver of the taxi, pending the outcome of the police investigations,” he said.

Although she was visibly shocked, one of the scolars, Lettie Baloyi, told this newspaper that the accident happened  so suddenly that no one even managed to scream. “We were very lucky to survive.  I thank God that we survived the accident. We heard a big bang and then the taxi rolled several times. There was a huge cloud of dust and we could not see what was happening,” she added.

She suffered minor injuries to her head and had fractured both legs.“This is the most horrible experience of my life," she said.

The spokesman for the Limpopo department of roads and transport, Mr Joshua Kgapa, said that they would investigate the cause of the accident and also make a follow-up on the allegations made by commuters.

Mr Brown Kahira, principal of the Theocentric College, said that Craig was an intelligent pupil. “This is a huge shock and totally unexpected. We all mourn his death." Kahira added that the funeral would be held at Olifantshoek at 06:00 on Saturday morning.

Makhado Mayor Cllr David Mutavhatsindi expressed his condolences to the affected families. He appealed to motorists to obey the traffic rules, especially during the festive season.