Nkosinathi Sibanyoni (28), an unlicensed driver, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following a tragic accident in Mayflower that took the lives of nine children in February 2022.

The fatal incident occurred when Sibanyoni, driving a minibus taxi without a valid driver’s licence, lost control of the vehicle, which then plunged into a river. The nine victims, aged between 4 and 12 years, were on their way home from school when the accident took place.

According to court proceedings, Sibanyoni had been entrusted with transporting the children to and from school, despite lacking the legal qualifications to do so. On the day of the accident, around 16:00, Sibanyoni parked the minibus near Elukwatini and began assisting one of the children to cross the road. The taxi, which had not been properly secured, rolled forward, veering into a nearby river and causing the deaths of the nine minors.

Following an investigation, Sibanyoni was arrested, tried, and convicted of culpable homicide. The Elukwatini Regional Court handed down his sentence on, 16 September 2024.

Mpumalanga’s Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed that the sentence should act as a deterrent to others. He stated, “The safety of our roads, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, is a pressing concern. This sentencing sends a clear message that reckless behaviour and disregard for the law will not be tolerated. Road safety is the responsibility of everyone—drivers, commuters, and pedestrians alike.”

The general further emphasised the importance of vigilance and adherence to road safety regulations, especially regarding those tasked with transporting schoolchildren.