The names of the six Free State learners from Riebeckstad High School who tragically lost their lives in a school bus accident on the 6th of February 2024, have been released. They are:
- Oagile Gailele (13)
- Lerato Keketsi (13)
- Busisiwe Makansela (13)
- Tlotlisang Mokotjo (13)
- Relebohile Nteo (14) and
- Katleho Semelo (13)
This list was confirmed by the Free State police spokesperson, Mothantsi Makhele. He said following all the right protocols and considerations for the families involved, it was time to release the names of the deceased. He further reiterated that these are the only known names of learners who lost their lives during this tragedy.
The fatal bus accident took place on the R70 Ventersburg-Senekal road, leaving six children killed at the scene, while many others were injured.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. We request a show of respect when it comes to the privacy of the grieving families,” Makhele said.
He added that police are still continuing with investigating a culpable homicide case and that it’s too early to hold anyone liable until it has been proven as such by the outcome of the investigations. The police are appealing to communities to be sensitive about the details pertaining to this accident.
“We encourage communities to avoid communicating unconfirmed information which might cause more strain on the families as they are already going through very difficult times,” he said.
The learners were coming back from an all girls sports event that took place at Moolmanshoek near Ventersburg.
A hospital update from the Free State Department of Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, said Medi-Clinic Hospital in Welkom treated 17 learners, while 15 are discharged and two are still admitted.
Bongani Hospital treated 24 patients. One is still admitted, and 23 have been discharged.
