Staff Reporter
Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela has visited families of the eight people who perished on Sunday morning after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept away by a flooded river in Steynsrus near Kroonstad in the northern Free State.
The incident, which happened at Somerset East Farm, claimed the lives of seven children aged between four and 13 years old and the driver of the car.
Ntombela, who was accompanied by MECs William Bulwane and Sam Mashinini, described the incident as devastating as the eight lives were lost within minutes.
“Their parents are, without any doubt, in agony,” said Ntombela after spending time with the bereaved families.
“As a parent, I too am gutted about what happened and I could feel their pain . . . in a matter of minutes, seven children had perished,” she added.
The deceased are: Thapelo Tekanya, 4; Ntaoleng Mpeko, 13; Relebohile Mpeko, 9; Mojalefa Mosibi, 12; Bokamoso Maphakisa, 8; Hopolang Monyatsi, 6; and Karabo Kok, 7.
The vehicle, a Honda Ballade, was also carrying three adults.
The driver, Tshokolo Hlongwane, 26, drowned after he went back into the water to try and save the children.
The other two men in the car, Mohau Mokoena and Swartbooi Hlongwane, managed to swim to safety.
The premier urged the community not to apportion blame on anyone during the mourning period, but to support the bereaved families.
“I agree with the words of MEC Mashinini who said this is not the time to point fingers, but to instead support all the families during this grieving period and to also ensure that nothing of (this) sort ever happens again,” she said.