Mongezi Koko12 July 2024 | 11:55

First phase of DNA analysis to identify Carletonville crash victims concludes

Twelve people died in the accident involving a scholar transport vehicle on Wednesday.

First phase of DNA analysis to identify Carletonville crash victims concludes

Officials at the site of multi-car collision in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong on 10 July 2024, in which 13 people were killed. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN

JOHANNESBURG - The first phase of DNA analysis to identify the bodies of some of the pupils killed in this week’s horrific Carletonville crash has concluded.

Twelve people died in the accident involving a scholar transport vehicle on Wednesday. Among the dead, was the driver of the minibus taxi.

While some of the victims have been identified, it’s been an emotional morning for relatives who gathered at the Kokosi Community Centre seeking confirmation and clarity.

The Kokosi Community Centre was filled with deafening cries, as mothers, fathers and close relatives of the victims began the task of identifying their loved ones. 

Reaching the end of day one of the DNA identification process, only one family was able to identify their child through a photograph. 

The police’s Kgomotso Netshitangani: "We were hoping maybe three but only one could... [about] 80%."

The next phase is to compare the DNA samples taken on Friday with the bodies.