Tragedy as six-year-old girl dies while boarding school transport in Carletonville

A six-year-old girl from Letsatsing Primary Mine School in Carletonville died after she was injured while trying to board a scholar transport vehicle on Friday morning, 15 August 2025.

According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the learner was taken to Carletonville Hospital but later died from her injuries that same afternoon.

The department says the exact details of what happened are still under investigation by the police.

Counselling services have been offered to the school and the child’s family.

The GDE has expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the school community. Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloan said: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and assure them of our full support during this difficult time."

Support services will be made available to learners, teachers, and the learner’s family to help them cope with the emotional impact of the incident. 

Meanwhile, the GDE says it continues to respond to broader concerns about infrastructure and basic services in schools across the province. At Theresa Park Primary and Secondary Schools, issues related to water, electricity, and sanitation are being addressed through temporary solutions including boreholes and generators, while applications for formal service connections are still pending due to rezoning requirements.

The department is working with the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development on long-term upgrades and new developments. This includes expanding school capacity in high-demand areas like Zuurbekom, where a combined school now caters to learners from Grade R to Grade 10. Grade 11 will be added in 2026.

The GDE says these efforts form part of its broader plan to ensure safe, functional, and supportive learning environments throughout Gauteng.

“Land at Northcliff and Addressing Educational Needs in Randburg The Department confirms that it has no record of authorising the sale or disposal of number 3 Neale Crescent in Northcliff, Randburg, and emphasises that the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) is the custodian responsible for managing and disposing of government-owned properties. Accordingly, all financial valuations, sales processes, and oversight mechanisms fall within GDID's mandate,” the department said.

Saturday Star