Laerskool Kathu Mourns Teacher Killed In Northern Cape Bus Crash On Sports Finals Trip, 4 Injured

• A school sports trip turned into heartbreak for a Northern Cape community after a fatal crash left educators and families devastated
• Emergency services rushed to the scene as concerns grew over the condition of several adults who were seriously injured in the collision
• Messages of support and prayers poured in from South Africans as a local school grappled with grief following the tragedy

Laerskool Kathu in the Northern Cape has been plunged into mourning after a tragic bus accident on Saturday, 13 June 2026, claimed the life of a teacher.

It was reported that the bus was on its way to fellow school Seodin Primary for rugby and netball finals in the Van Druten League when tragedy struck early on Saturday morning. One teacher tragically lost her life, while six other people were seriously injured. Some learners suffered minor injuries and were examined by emergency personnel.

According to reports by Maroela Media, the school bus collided with a truck on the N14 just outside Kuruman in the Northern Cape. The sports day was cancelled, and counselling was immediately offered to the learners, teachers and staff members involved in the accident. Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the cause of the accident is being investigated.

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Laerskool Kathu releases statement

The school shared an update on Facebook regarding the accident:

Laerskool Kathu Primary Amptelik:

It is with deep sadness that Kathu Primary School announces that one of our school buses, which was transporting staff and learners to the final of the Van Druten League hosted by Seodin Primary School in Kuruman, was involved in an accident on the N14 approximately 12 km before Kuruman. It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that one of our teachers passed away in the accident. Her name is not being released at this stage to allow time for family to be notified.

We can confirm that six of our staff members and coaches were injured in the accident. Emergency services responded quickly and transported the staff members to Lenmed Hospital in Kathu. From there, four individuals are being transferred by air ambulance and ambulance to Bloemfontein and Kimberley, while one remains in Kathu for observation.

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Kathu Primary School and the School Governing Body would like to thank Curro Kathu for transporting our learners from the accident scene to Seodin Primary School. We also thank Seodin Primary School for caring for our staff and learners. We greatly appreciate it.

We further thank all emergency service personnel, hospital staff, volunteers, and the broader Kathu community who assisted and supported us during this difficult time. Thank you to all the schools and organisations that send messages to the school.''

As seen in the post below.

Department of Education confirms fatal school bus crash

The Northern Cape Department of Education released a statement on Saturday confirming the accident.

"The Northern Cape Department of Education is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of an educator from Kathu Primary School following a bus accident that occurred this morning.

"A total of 44 learners and 10 educators were travelling to Seodin Primary School to participate in a sports day when the bus they were travelling in was involved in an accident at approximately 07:20.

"Sadly, one educator succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. Another educator was airlifted to Bloemfontein for urgent medical treatment, while three others were transported to Kimberley. Their conditions remain critical. The learners sustained minor injuries and received the necessary medical attention.

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See the post below on Facebook.

"As a result of the incident, the scheduled sports day was cancelled. Immediate psychosocial support and counselling were provided to the affected learners and educators. In addition, a counselling session has been arranged for Monday, 15 June 2026, at Kathu Primary School to support the school community during this difficult time.

"The District Office is working closely with the school and affected families to provide the necessary support and assistance. The Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and learners affected by this tragic loss. We also wish all those who were injured a full and speedy recovery."

Tragedy has struck schools around South Africa in recent weeks, with an Mpumalanga school losing a promising netball star, Promise Sithole. Also, Inanda Seminary mourned the sudden passing of a rising sports star, Andile Mabaso. May their souls rest in peace.

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

Source: Briefly News