Vredefort | Cops seek families, after five children die in ‘horrific’ car accident

The Vredefort police are appealing with members of the community to locate the family of one of the victims who died in a tragic car accident that left five children, between the ages of 10 and 18 killed in a busy R721 road in Vredefort last night, July 31.

Fezile Dabi district spokesperson, sergeant Josephine Rani said children lost their lives when the car they were travelling from collided with a truck on a fateful night.

“The three siblings and their friend were travelling from funeral that was in Vredefort to their home in Welkom,” she explains.

“The unknown deceased hitchhiked the bakkie in Vredefort.

“At about 32km from Vredefort towards Kroonstad, the Chevrolet bakkie collided head on with truck,” said Rani.

All of the five who were in the bakkie were declared dead on the scene.

It is alleged that, the truck driver survived with minor injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

Police have confirmed among the dead were the 16-year-old Tidimalo Bengelle, who the police are looking for her family.

An 18-year-old Mandisa Bengelle, 10-year-old Masego Bengelle and 11-year-old Tshegofatso, the police managed to get hold of their parents and they were notified of the tragedy.

Rani said the police are still investigating a culpable homicide.

“Anyone who may have a missing child may visit a nearby police station or contact an investigative officer on the number 082 527 6506,” concluded Rani.