Mongezi Koko16 July 2024 | 14:00

Hlalele family, who lost 4 children in Carletonville crash, laments delays in DNA identification process

The Hlalele family, who lost four of their children in a horror crash in Carletonville, said that the delays in the DNA identification process were an added pain for them.

Hlalele family, who lost 4 children in Carletonville crash, laments delays in DNA identification process

A memorial service in honour of the 11 schoolchildren who died in a vehicle collision in Carletonville was held on 16 July 2024. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN

CARLETONVILLE - The Hlalele family, who lost four of their children in a horror crash in Carletonville, said that the delays in the DNA identification process were an added pain for them.

On Wednesday last week, a minibus taxi transporting at least 20 learners crashed into a bakkie before it overturned and caught alight, killing 11 people instantly, 10 of them children under the age of 13.

Community members gathered at the Grace Bible Church in Carltonville on Tuesday to remember the deceased pupils.

Unable to bury their loved ones due to ongoing police investigations and DNA identification of the victims, the families have called on government to fast-track this process.

Aviva Manqa is the uncle of Hlompho, Reneilwe, Thato and Sihle, who perished in the crash.

"In this instance, it’s tough for us because we don’t know when we are going to put away the bones of our beloved ones in peace."

Meanwhile, at an undisclosed private hospital, the driver of the bakkie believed to be the cause of the tragedy is under 24 police surveillance and is yet to provide police with a statement.