KwaZulu-Natal Accident Leaves 21 Learners Injured After Taxi Plunges off Kwakheha Bridge in Impendle
- A minibus taxi plunged off a bridge in Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), leaving at least 21 learners injured
- The accident is the third incident involving a taxi ferrying school children in the past four days in KZN
- Five children passed away in a previous incident in Imbali after a taxi crashed into a classroom of a pre-school
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a journalist for Briefly News, has been reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues for the past 14 years. He worked for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – At least 21 school learners have been injured in a taxi accident in Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The accident happened after the taxi veered off the road and plunged from the Kwakheha Bridge. It is the third accident involving a taxi ferrying school children in four days in the Umgungundlovu district.
On 11 September, five children were killed when a minibus taxi crashed into a classroom of a pre-school in Imbali. A day later, another taxi was involved in an accident in the very same area. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in that crash.
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Learners rushed to nearby medical facilities after latest accident
Emergency services rushed to the scene following the accident on Monday, 15 September 2025, and transported the learners to nearby medical facilities.
The pupils, who come from Matomela High School, Sthunjwana Primary, and Luthando High School, were rushed to Gomane Clinic and Harry Gwala Regional Hospital.
The driver of the taxi fled the scene, and law enforcement officers are currently searching for him.
Source: Twitter
Siboniso Duma disturbed by the latest accident
The KZN Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, called on the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the province to do more to prevent further tragedies involving taxis.
The MEC touched on the fact that this was the third accident involving a school learner transport in the district within four days.
He also weighed in on the fact that the driver was nowhere to be found.
“Most disturbing is that the taxi driver disappeared, and law enforcement agencies are looking for him,” he said.
The MEC also noted the Automobile Association’s estimate that there are at least 70,000 minibus taxi crashes annually, saying this needed to be resolved.
South Africans share Duma’s frustration
Social media users shared Duma’s annoyance, with many focusing on the roadworthiness of the taxi.
@Dr_Aftermath_ said:
“You can literally see that this taxi was not roadworthy, but parents let their kids use that taxi. Even the Transportation Department allowed this taxi to be used.
@B_R_I_A__N stated:
“Then when u transport your kids to school with your private vehicle, they (taxi drivers) go up in arms.”
@luyolomkentane added:
“Doesn't look like it should have been anywhere near a road, but ke.”
@MbongiThe stated:
“This is why the old taxis must be prevented from using the roads.”
@Mabossokenna777 asked:
“So, this thing was on the road, vele?🤔 Taxi association is not taking us seriously as a country, shem. But I blame our government for allowing this nonsense.
19 learners injured after taxi accident
Briefly News reported that 19 schoolchildren were injured following a minibus taxi accident in August 2025.
According to paramedics who attended to the scene in Savannah Park near Chatsworth, the taxi crashed into a wall.
South Africans expressed frustration that a taxi was involved again in an accident on the country's roads.
Source: Briefly News
