Parents alarmed after teacher’s car injures two pupils at KwaMakhutha High
TWO pupils were injured when a teacher's car reversed and ploughed into them, pinning one pupil agains the wall and leaving another pupil with a broken leg at KwaMakhutha Comprehensive High School, south of Durban, last week Friday.
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Parents of learners at KwaMakhutha Comprehensive High School have expressed deep concern over the safety of their children after a shocking incident on the school premises last week, in which a teacher’s vehicle struck two pupils, leaving one with a broken leg and another seriously injured.
The incident occurred on Friday during school hours at the Durban south school.
According to a source close to the matter, the teacher, who had recently obtained a driver’s licence, was reversing when the accident took place.
"The car suddenly reversed and hit the pupils. One suffered a broken leg, while the other was pinned against a wall and sustained severe injuries," the source said.
An eyewitness described chaos as teachers and pupils rushed to assist the injured pupils. Some educators reportedly criticised their colleague for reversing without due caution, despite the presence of pupils on the school grounds.
"I don’t know what happened," said the witness, who asked not to be named.
"The teacher injured the children in broad daylight. It was a disaster. Even now, I still cannot believe it happened."
According to another source, the teacher appeared visibly distraught and in shock following the incident.
School principal Mduduzi Ngidi confirmed the matter but said he could not provide extensive details as the accident occurred while he was off-site.
Parents of the injured pupils have since voiced outrage, describing the incident as avoidable and calling for accountability.
"We are asking ourselves how such an incident could happen in the presence of other teachers. If a pupil can be injured so badly under their watch, how are we supposed to trust them with our children?" said one parent, speaking on condition of anonymity.
KwaMakhutha Comprehensive High has previously been in the spotlight for a matric examination cheating scandal.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi confirmed that the department had been briefed on the incident and extended sympathies to the affected learners and their families.
"The teacher was taken to hospital for treatment after experiencing shock. They are reportedly deeply remorseful about what happened," Mahlambi said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE