KZN Premier Calls for Thorough Investigation into Imbali Scholar Transport Tragedies

KZN Premier Calls for Thorough Investigation into Imbali Scholar Transport Tragedies

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for an urgent and thorough investigation into two scholar transport accidents that occurred last week in Pietermaritzburg’s Imbali Township.

On Thursday, a minibus taxi lost control and crashed into Senzokuhle Crèche and Pre-School in Imbali Unit 18, tragically claiming the lives of five children aged nine to eleven, while leaving several others injured.

READ: KZN Premier Calls for Thorough Investigation into Imbali Scholar Transport Tragedies

The following day, Friday, another scholar transport vehicle was involved in a separate crash along the same road. Fortunately, all children survived the second incident.

Premier Ntuli emphasized the need for accountability and urged authorities to determine the root causes of both accidents.

“We need to understand fully what went wrong. Only then can we implement decisive measures to prevent similar tragedies. No family should endure the pain of burying a child because of preventable mistakes on our roads,” Ntuli said.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, classmates, educators, and the wider Imbali community, Ntuli described the incidents as heartbreaking and stressed the importance of road safety.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has robbed our province of young lives who had bright futures ahead of them. We mourn with you and stand in solidarity during this time of deep sorrow,” he said.

In response, the Premier has instructed law enforcement and traffic authorities to intensify visibility and conduct multidisciplinary roadblocks across KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in areas where scholar transport is heavily used. He stressed the need for roadworthiness checks, driver compliance, and strict enforcement to become standard practice.

READ: Tragic School Bus Accident Claims 5th young Life in Imbali Township | KZN Education Crisis

Ntuli also called on communities to take shared responsibility for road safety by reporting reckless driving, speeding, and overloading.

“Do not remain silent until it is too late. Together, we can build a culture of responsibility and safety on our roads. Saving lives requires a united effort — government will do its part through enforcement and awareness, but communities must remain vigilant. If we act together, we will reduce these tragedies,” he said.

The Premier’s statement highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to protect learners and prevent further scholar transport-related tragedies in the province.