The small community of Godlwayo Village in the Umzingwane District is grieving the tragic loss of six-year-old Goodwill Tshalibe, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) pupil, who died in a road traffic accident on Tuesday.
The incident unfolded during what began as a typical school day. Goodwill reportedly jumped from a reversing vehicle to retrieve his hat, which had blown off.
His father, Mr. Messiah Tshalibe, expressed his devastation, stating, “I am heartbroken; my son was going to school and jumped out after his friend’s hat was blown away.” The family is struggling to come to terms with this unexpected loss.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Mr. Marcos Siziba, described the moments leading up to the tragedy.
He explained, “I heard them screaming about a hat, so I tried to reverse the car. I didn’t realize he had jumped out until it was too late. I am in shock.” Siziba appeared visibly shaken and remorseful following the incident.
The loss of Goodwill has sent shockwaves through the village, with residents coming together to support the Tshalibe family during this difficult time. The community is united in grief, reflecting on the young life cut short.
Adding to the community’s sorrow, another pupil was reportedly run over by a vehicle in Habane Township, Esigodini, on the same day, further deepening the tragedy.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the details of either incident, but investigations are underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
-ZBC