The mood at Mphalaleni Secondary School in the Mutale area was very sombre during the memorial service for one of the school's pupils on Tuesday, 26 April.
Seventeen-year-old Mashudu Mathoho, a Grade 10 learner, was accidentally run over by a truck on her way home from school on 19 April. The incident that left her family, friends and fellow learners in a state of trauma happened along the Matangari-Tshiombo public road at around 16:20.
According to information supplied to Limpopo Mirror, the truck had almost passed her when the rear end of the truck hit Mashudu and she landed under the wheels. She was certified dead at the scene.
Dr Cedrick Nnzekiseni Mathoho, a family member who visited the scene, said the incident had left him traumatised. "We are shattered, and our hearts are bleeding as a family. I know myself as a very strong person, but seeing her body lying in a pool of blood had me in tears. The situation affected my health, especially because I know her poor family's background. She was the family's light, and that star has been dimmed," he said.
The accident also triggered memories of previous incidents that had happened at the same notorious corner. "From the information I gathered, two other learners have also been involved in accidents at the same corner, but I am not sure of the extent of their injuries. I think something must be done about this road to prevent a recurrence of these accidents. We cannot wait for any more death or injuries to happen here," said Mathoho.
Mr Thinawanga Maphagela, the chairperson of the school governing body, could not hide his grief. "As parents, we always hope for the best for our children, and we are shattered. No words can describe our grief and sorrow. Our call to government is to say we need a better road. The incident could have been averted if the road was wider," he said.
Vhembe SAPS' acting spokesperson, Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi, confirmed the accident. "We have opened a culpable homicide docket and investigations surrounding the accident are ongoing," he said.