Kuruman, Northern Cape – A school sports outing turned into a devastating tragedy on Saturday when a bus transporting pupils and staff from Kathu Primary School collided with a truck on the N14, approximately 12 kilometres outside Kuruman. The accident resulted in the death of one teacher and left six other adults injured, casting a pall over the community and the planned Van Druten League final.
The bus was en route to Seodin Primary School, which was hosting the sports final, when the collision occurred. While all 44 pupils on board miraculously escaped with only minor injuries, the impact proved fatal for one teacher, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification. Six other staff members, including a coach, sustained injuries and were rushed to Lenmed Hospital in Kathu.
Kathu Primary School released a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of their beloved colleague. The school has initiated arrangements for counselling services to support both staff and pupils grappling with the traumatic incident. Four of the injured adults were later transferred by air and road ambulance to hospitals in Bloemfontein and Kimberley for specialised treatment, while one remains under observation in Kathu.
Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe confirmed that the sports tournament was immediately cancelled following the accident. He extended the department's sincere condolences to the families, friends, colleagues, and learners affected by this tragic loss, also wishing a full and speedy recovery to all those injured. The district office is working closely with the school and affected families to provide necessary support.
Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane, spokesperson for the Kuruman police, confirmed that a case of culpable homicide has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the accident, and investigations are ongoing.
