NELSPRUIT – Police in Mmametlhake near Kwamhlanga, are investigating a culpable homicide case as well as failure to stop after an accident opened on Wednesday, 09 June 2021, following a horrific car accident which claimed nine lives of pupils who were schoolers at Nkotolane Primary School in Mmamethlake in 1965.

It is said that on 01 May 1965, 27 learners aged between 18 and 19, from the said school were part of music competitions earlier in Pankop where they scooped a trophy. These learners were reportedly ferried in a truck and were dropped next their school where parents were jubilantly waiting to receive them. Information at police disposal indicates that as they were busy alighting from the truck, a certain bakkie with two occupants appeared driving in a high speed and plunged into them resulting in some sustaining serious injuries whilst nine of them sadly died. 

The injured victims were then taken to nearby different hospitals and some stayed for more than two years admitted. All the victims are now pensioners and still having terrible scars in their bodies alleged to have been caused by the accident.

Details on what exactly transpired regarding the incident as well as the whereabouts of the one who was driving the bakkie remains part of the probe. Police in this regard make a clarion call to members of the public with valuable information that can assist in this case to come forward. They also request Mr Koos Engelbrecht whom they believe can assist in this probe to urgently contact them. Engelbrecht is said to have been previously resided around Nylstroom/Modimolle in Limpopo Province and anyone who knows his whereabouts, is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Solomon Moshime at 082 065 1355 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential.

Source: South African Police Service