In an accident involving a bus, a municipal fire truck, and a vehicle of a local radio station, three firefighters of the Fire and Disaster Unit of the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality in Kuruman lost their lives.

Baleseng Masilo, Obakeng Thakadu, and Tshepo Mokutsane passed away in the accident that occurred on Friday 12 June while they were en route to attend to a veldfire along TM Tlhabane Road, which connects Seodin and Mothibistad.

This accident, which sent shockwaves through the community, was followed by another accident in the area when a school bus from the Kathu Primary School collided with a stationary truck between Kuruman and Kathu early on Saturday morning. A teacher of the school, the 30-year-old Ilze Posthumus, was killed, while four of her colleagues are still in hospital. Some of the 44 learners on board were injured, but none critically.

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Three were dedicated public servants

“This heartbreaking loss has sent shockwaves throughout the municipality and the broader community. The deceased officials were dedicated public servants who selflessly committed their lives to protecting communities, property, and the environment from emergencies and disasters,” said Martin Tsatsimpe, municipal manager.

“On behalf of the Municipal Council, management, and all officials of the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult and painful time.

“The municipality also extends its sympathies to all individuals affected by the accident and wishes those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.”

The circumstances surrounding the accident are currently subject to investigation by relevant authorities. The municipality will continue to cooperate fully with all investigative processes and will provide support to the affected families and colleagues during this period of mourning, Tsatsimpe said.

“As we mourn this tragic loss, we honour the courage, dedication, and service of our fallen firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their duty to serve and protect the people of Ga-Segonyana.”

Details regarding memorial and funeral services will be communicated in due course after consultation with the bereaved families.

Two collisions on one spot

Apparently, a head-on collision first took place between the vehicle of Kurara FM and the bus. Later, the fire truck collided with the bus that was stuck in the middle of the road.

The police in Mothibistad are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving following a collision involving a bus and a light motor vehicle on the TM Tlhabane Road, said WO Molefi Shemane, police spokesperson.

He said the driver of the bus sustained no injuries.

However, three learners travelling on the bus suffered injuries and two members of a local radio station who were inside the light motor vehicle were transported to hospital, where they received medical treatment and were subsequently discharged.

“While emergency services were attending to the scene, a municipality fire and rescue vehicle collided with the stationary bus, which was standing in the roadway following the initial collision,” Shemane said.

Culpable homicide cases have been registered, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding both collisions are ongoing, he concluded.