Three people, including two school pupils, were killed and seven injured when a vehicle crashed into a group of pedestrians at Sendedza in the Nzhelele area last Thursday. The incident took place shortly after 14:00, when the pupils were on their way home from school.

According to a spokesperson for the police, the parents of the children were busy cleaning the premises of Siloam Hospital as part of the Mandela Day celebrations when the accident occurred. According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the car lost control and ploughed into the group of people.

Fulufhelo Tshiuda (16), a Grade 10 pupil at Mushaathoni Secondary School, and Gudani Cynthia Nenungwi (12), a Grade 3 pupil at Siloam Primary School, were killed instantly.

While the people were rushing from the accident, the vehicle allegedly knocked down and killed Mr Richard Munyai (39). Mr Eric Mutshinya, Richard’s brother, told Limpopo Mirror that the community was extremely shocked. His brother was a shoe repairer. He is survived by his unemployed wife and two children, Livhuwani (Grade 1) and Ishmael (Grade 5).

One of the survivors, Khumbelo Phathela (16), says although she had received some counselling, it was very hard to forget what had happened. “While the pain from my minor injuries will fade in time, the scar on my hand will remind me of the tragedy. I will never forget this ordeal for the rest of my life.”

Makhado Municipality Mayor Cllr David Mutavhatsindi expressed his condolences and appealed to motorist to obey the traffic laws.

Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the Limpopo Police, said they had opened a case of reckless driving, culpable homicide and murder. The 21-year-old Mikovhe Ramuima of Tshavhalovhedzi appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court last Friday in connection with the case. The case was postponed to 27 August for a bail application. He is in custody.

Last year in March, seven people died after a vehicle crashed into them while they were walking next to the road after a soccer match at Tshidzini Village. The driver is still on trial.

The joint funeral service for the deceased will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at Life Christian Centre in Tshavhalovhedzi. It will start at 06:00.