A tragic incident in Sebokeng's Zone 14 has left a community in mourning after a baby was fatally injured by a reversing vehicle. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event as they appeal to parents to maintain vigilant supervision of young children.

According to police they received a call from community members alleging that a vehicle had run over a crawling baby in Zone 14, Sebokeng.

Community members alleged that the driver of the transport, was reversing after dropping off a scholar.

“It is alleged that the transport driver was reversing after dropping off a scholar. He heard a sound from the rear and upon inspection he noticed that he drove over a baby. The baby was declared dead at Sebokeng Hospital and further taken to Sebokeng Government Mortuary.”

Police urge parents to always supervise their children while they are crawling or playing in the yard and on the street.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said police are still investigating and no arrests have been made yet.

“A case of culpable homicide is is opened for further investigations and no one has been arrested.” said Nevhuhulwi.

After a series of scholar transport accidents that occurred last year, the Gauteng Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving scholar transport safety in the province.

At the start of the school year, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, urged scholar transport operators to comply with regulations.

Diale-Tlabela warned unregistered scholar transport operators to comply with operating license regulations or face legal consequences.

The MEC added that operators without valid operating licenses will not be allowed to transport learners and may face fines or vehicle impoundment.

"Our priority is to save lives in the learner transport system. Those scholar transport operators without operating licenses will not be allowed to ferry learners, and those who do can expect to face the harshest consequences. Traffic law enforcement officials will be conducting routine checks and those found not to be compliant will face the full might of the law,” Diale-Tlabela said.

General Secretary of the Greater Johannesburg Learner Transport Organisation (GGLTO), Sibongile Maseko, said she has been actively engaging with the MEC of Transport’s office to ensure all operators comply with South Africa's transport regulations since schools reopened.

“Our efforts are focused on correcting irregularities in the application process for operating licenses, registration, and monitoring of scholar transport. We're committed to providing safe and reliable transportation for learners in the Gauteng province.”

Maseko added that parents should consider the following key factors when choosing scholar transport to ensure their children's safety and well-being:

Safety and Security Guidelines.
Verify Licensing & Registration.
Ensure the transport provider is licensed and registered with the local transport association.
The vehicle should display an association sticker and have a contract form from the association.
Confirm that the provider is registered with the Department of Transport.
Vehicle Safety & Maintenance
Ensure that transport vehicles are in good condition and regularly maintained.
Vehicles must meet all required safety standards.
Driver Qualifications & Background Checks
Verify that drivers hold a valid driver’s license, Professional Driving Permit (PDP), and a roadworthy certificate.
Conduct background checks to ensure drivers have a clean record.

She further emphasised that parents should establish open communication channels with the transport provider to stay informed about any changes or issues.

“They should verify that the provider has contingency plans in place for unexpected events, such as vehicle breakdowns. Additionally, parents should ensure that vehicles are clean, well-maintained, and free from hazards. It is important to confirm that there is sufficient seating space for all children to travel safely,” said Maseko.

She stated that parents should choose a transport provider that offers transparent pricing and clear payment terms, as most contracts run for 12 months.

Furthermore, she urged parents to ensure that the transport provider has emergency response plans in place, including first aid kits and emergency contact information. Lastly, she emphasized the importance of reliable customer support, stating that providers should be responsive and address concerns promptly.

Maseko also advised her fellow scholar transport operators on the critical importance of prioritising safety and conducting regular vehicle inspections. 'As transporters, we have a sacred responsibility to ensure the well-being and security of the children entrusted to our care.’

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za