2 Vryburg High School Learners Killed on N12 on First Day Back at School

• Two high school learners in the North West lost their lives on the day schools opened
• The two were involved in an accident on the N14 on their way to school
• One of the vehicles was transporting four pupils, and a case has been opened

For seven years, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of Current Affairs, South Africa, covered a range of topics, including accidents, fires, outbreaks, nature, weather, and natural disaster-related incidents, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

VRYBURG, NORTH WEST— Two learners from Vryburg in the North West died on 9 April 2026 after the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in an accident.

According to IOL, the accident happened on the N14 from Delareyville to Vryburg. One of the vehicles was carrying four pupils when it collided with a truck. The driver of the light motor vehicle and the two pupils, Kitso Mathope and Remofiloe Mtshengu, died on the scene. Two other pupils were rushed to the hospital.

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School conveys condolences

Hoërskool Vryburg, where the learners attended, conveyed their condolences in a post on its Hoërskool Vryburg High School Facebook page. The school said it stands together in grief and will offer support to learners, teachers, and those affected.

How did South Africans react to the accident?

Netizens commenting on the school's post likened the tragic nature of the accident to the deadly crash that claimed 14 lives in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, in January 2026.

Dubem Stephen said:

"This is indeed a very sad incident. I happen to know all of them, including the hospitalised schoolers. One is my brother's child. The driver was at my workplace yesterday. May their souls RIP, and may the injured recover quickly."

Tshepo Johannes said:

"This reminds me of 19 January 2026, when our school lost four learners in that terrible accident in the Vaal. I know what the school is going through right now. Our prayers go out to the school and parents. May the Lord heal you. This is so sad."

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Candice McLune was devastated.

"Our hearts are breaking with yours after hearing this devastating news. We're holding the families, the injured learners, and your whole school community in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time. We're standing with you in grief and love."

Simonetta Scott-Crossley was hurt.

"So very sad and tragic. God is close to the broken-hearted and those crushed in spirit. Soon, death, mourning, pain, and suffering will be no more. The former things will pass away."

Hesham Kana was shaken.

"Such horrible news on the first day back to school! Keeping the parents, friends, and entire school in my prayers."

3 Briefly News articles about accidents

• Five people were killed in a vehicle accident in Limpopo on 1 April 2026, days before the Easter weekend. A light motor vehicle and a bakkie collided, and the accident affected traffic.
• A 13-year-old boy escaped a burning vehicle that collided with another car on the R67 in the Eastern Cape on 3 April 2026. The accident happened between Seymour and Whittlesea, and two people died in the crash.
• A 14-year-old was killed in a car crash on the M25 in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, on 6 April 2026. The teenager was driving his drunk father when he failed to negotiate a bend, rolled multiple times, and eventually came to a stop in the opposite lane.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News