Umlazi family mourns tragic death of young Lubanzi Nhlapo in scholar transport crash

A tragic accident on the N21 westbound near Putfontein Road off-ramp has left a family in deep sorrow after seven-year-old Lubanzi Nhlapo was confirmed among the victims.

His great-uncle, Fhulufhelo Makhado, unknowingly drove past the accident scene while rushing his sick wife to Tambo Memorial Hospital—only to later receive a call that changed his life forever.

A Routine Drive Turns Into a Nightmare

Makhado left his home in Geleba at 7:40 AM to take his wife to the hospital. Along the way, he encountered a severe traffic jam, which delayed him for about seven minutes.

“There was a lot of traffic on the road, and we had to slow down,” he told IOL News.

As he drove past the accident site, he noticed a wrecked vehicle but didn’t think much of it. Focused on reaching the hospital, he continued on his journey.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Makhado ignored several calls from an unknown number while speaking to a security guard at the entrance. Shortly after, his wife’s phone rang. The caller was Nomsa Nhlapo, who delivered devastating news—Lubanzi had been in the very accident Makhado had passed earlier.

The Scholar Transport Tragedy

According to City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services spokesperson William Ntladi, all victims were schoolchildren traveling in a Toyota Verso from Daveyton to various schools.

The crash left four children injured along with the driver of another vehicle involved, an Isuzu. They were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

A Desperate Dash Back to the Accident Scene

Upon hearing about his nephew’s involvement, Makhado rushed back to the crash site. By then, the traffic congestion had worsened, making it difficult for him to get through.

Determined to reach the scene, he abandoned his car along Kingsway Road and ran toward the accident site.

“When I arrived, people were already gathered around. Some of them I knew. I told them I was Lubanzi’s great-uncle, but they tried to stop me from going through,” he recalled.

Eventually, he managed to push through and reached the damaged scholar transport vehicle—only to find his nephew, lifeless, in the back seat.

A Scene of Devastation

The accident scene was heart-wrenching, with schoolbags, shoes, and debris scattered along the bloodstained road. Grief-stricken families arrived to identify their loved ones, unable to hold back their tears.

Makhado struggled to process the loss, saying that Lubanzi’s death had left a void in the family.

Remembering Lubanzi Nhlapo

Lubanzi was a Grade 1 student at Rynfield Primary School and a passionate football lover.

“He loved playing soccer and admired professional footballers like Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando Pirates and Kylian Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid,” said Makhado.

He fondly remembered how Lubanzi always wanted to train to stay fit for soccer and often played with his own child at the park.

“I am really going to miss him. He was always eager to go to training,” he said with a heavy heart.

Family Seeks Answers and Justice

The family is still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Makhado said they hope for a thorough investigation into what exactly happened.

“The authorities have told us they are still investigating. But we really wish to know the cause of this fatal crash,” he said.

Funeral Arrangements and Condolences

The funeral service for Lubanzi Nhlapo is scheduled for Saturday, March 15. He will be laid to rest at Lala Ngoxolo Cemetery after a service at his mother’s home in Shongwe.

Three other children also lost their lives in the crash:

• Khetelwe Zulu (Grade 1, Tom Newby Primary School)
• Hlompho Mofokeng (Grade 3, Tom Newby Primary School)
• Kgosi Malatjie

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has since visited the bereaved families, offering his deepest condolences.

This devastating loss serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by schoolchildren on the roads and the need for safer transport solutions.