Pietermaritzburg – A minibus taxi carrying schoolchildren has crashed into a creche building in Mbali Township.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma on Thursday, 11 September 2025, said: “I have just been alerted by Traffic Ambassador Ayanda Msweli about a horrific accident in Mbali Township, Pietermaritzburg.
“Apparently, a driver transporting children lost control of his minibus taxi and plunged into a creche in Mbali Township.”
First responders were on the scene, where at least five children were declared deceased.
MEC Duma said a preliminary report reveals that the driver lost control of his minibus taxi and crashed into the pre-school.
He said the schoolchildren were being transported from Ward 10 to high and primary schools in Ward 15.
“We are saddened by the death of five learners,” said the MEC.
Fortunately, none of the preschool learners were hurt.
Several other children who were in the minibus taxi were treated for injuries before they were taken to various health facilities, including Northdale Hospital, Edendale Hospital, and Mbalenhle Clinic.
The MEC said, shockingly, witnesses alleged the driver of the minibus taxi jumped out before it crashed into the pre-school.
The driver was hurt in the process and was taken by the police to the hospital.
“In this regard, we have mandated our Road Traffic Inspectorate to work with the SAPS [South African Police Service] as part of an investigation,” MEC Duma said.
The events leading to the deadly crash are under investigation by the authorities.
