Surviving victims of a 1965 motor vehicle accident in Mmametlhake seek justice

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56 years later, victims of a horrific motor vehicle accident which claimed 9 lives of learners aged 18 and 19, find themselves still struggling to get closure from the ordeal.

It was on May 1st, 1965 when the incident occurred where 27 learners who were in full joyful mood driving from music competitions in Pankop, Mpumalanga, just outside Hammanskraal after winning a choral music trophy earlier in the day were hit by a bakkie driving at high speed.

This is according to Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi who said that the bakkie was allegedly occupied by two occupants at the time when it rammed into the said learners who were transported in a truck to their school, Nkotolane Primary School where they had their parents waiting to receive them.

Years later Mmametlhake Police have confirmed the opening of a culpable homicide case which was opened on June 9, 2021 by the remaining victims.

The accident sadly saw some dying on the spot while some were transported to the hospital for medical attention.

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

Brigadier Hlathi added that the whereabouts of the occupants of the bakkie remains a mystery and are still being investigated as well as further details of the accident.

“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 Moshimane at 082 065 1355 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111” said Brigadier Hlathi.