Limpopo minibus taxi driver granted R6,000 bail after deadly school trip fire

Driver granted bail after minibus taxi blaze that killed two learners

A Limpopo man charged after a school minibus taxi burst into flames has been granted bail following the incident that left two Grade R learners dead and seven others injured.

Who is charged and what bail was set?

The accused, Mogau Mosehla, 44, appeared in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court and was granted bail of R6,000. He faces two counts of culpable homicide and charges under the National Road Traffic Act relating to overloading and failure to produce an operating certificate. The matter has been postponed until 21 August.

What happened during the incident?

Provincial police said the vehicle involved was a Toyota Quantum that burst into flames at about 3:15pm on Wednesday, 13 May. The fire occurred along the Apel Cross Road via the Tswaing gravel road towards Nkotwokwane Village in Masemola.

At the time, the minibus was carrying approximately 22 schoolchildren aged between seven and 10, who were being taken home from school. Two Grade R learners from Mannyetha Primary School died inside the burning vehicle. Seven other learners sustained injuries and were transported to hospital, while 13 children escaped unharmed.

Investigation and official response

The cause of the fire is unknown and police say an investigation is ongoing.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families during this painful period of mourning. We also wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery as they continue to receive medical care. We have activated the psycho-social support to start with the debriefing at the school,”

Limpopo MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, who expressed sadness over the fatal accident.

Next steps

The court proceedings will continue when the matter returns on 21 August. Police investigations into the cause of the fire remain under way.