Student killed after jumping from moving bakkie on R523 as two others fight for life

A student has died and two others are critically injured after allegedly jumping from a moving bakkie on the R523 between Ngovhela and Sibasa. The incident took place on Saturday, 13 June, authorities said.

What happened

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the three university students had boarded the back of a utility bakkie and later realised the vehicle had passed the destination they intended to reach. The students reportedly noticed the driver was behaving suspiciously.

When the students repeatedly signalled and shouted for the driver to stop, the motorist allegedly ignored their pleas and accelerated. Fearing for their safety, the three students jumped from the moving vehicle onto the tarmac in an effort to escape.

Casualties and response

One student suffered fatal injuries on impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. The two remaining students sustained severe injuries and were taken to hospital, where they are fighting for their lives, officials said.

Emergency services responded to the scene, but the driver of the bakkie did not stop to offer assistance and instead fled, according to preliminary reports.

Investigation under way

Police in Limpopo have launched a full-scale investigation and a manhunt is under way to locate the fleeing driver. Authorities said the identity of the deceased is being withheld until the next of kin have been formally notified.

Officials are appealing to anyone who may have seen a utility bakkie speeding along the R523 between Ngovhela and Sibasa on Saturday to come forward to assist the investigation.

Key facts

• Incident date: Saturday, 13 June.
• Location: R523 between Ngovhela and Sibasa, Limpopo.
• Victims: Three university students; one died at the scene, two critically injured and hospitalised.
• Driver: Fled the scene; a manhunt and police investigation are under way.