A family from Emlazi Z Section is demanding answers after their child, Phiwokuhle Qophelo Nzuza, tragically passed away following an accident at Orissa Primary School. The events surrounding the child’s death have left the family with many unanswered questions, as conflicting statements have been given by school officials and authorities.
The Accident and Initial Reports
On Monday, February 24, 2025, at around 13:40, the child’s mother received a distressing call from the school informing her that Phiwokuhle had been hit by a car and that they needed to rush to the hospital. According to the information given, the driver responsible was said to be an uncle of the children at the school, although it was unclear whether he was driving a private vehicle or a school transport vehicle.
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The family immediately prepared to go to the hospital, but just 15 minutes later, another call came in instructing them not to go to the hospital but instead to meet at the school. The child’s mother, concerned and confused, arranged for the family to gather at Muthwa’s garage before proceeding together to the school.
Confusion at the School
Upon arrival, the family found the school filled with students outside the gates. There were no visible signs of an accident—no warning tape or any indication that an emergency had taken place. Security directed them to the staff room, where they found over eight police officers. The officers asked if they were the child’s parents and then instructed them to follow.Police recruitment drives
The school principal, Mrs. D.B. Cele, took them to a room where she delivered devastating news: the child had passed away. Overcome with grief and shock, the family demanded to see Phiwokuhle. Accompanied by a police officer and the principal, they were led to an office where they found the child’s body lying on the floor, covered with a black cloth.Police recruitment drives
Upon uncovering the child, the family was shocked to see only minor visible injuries—some scratches on the arms and head. However, foam was coming from the child’s nose and mouth. This raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the child’s death.Durban July fashion trends
Conflicting Statements and Unanswered Questions
When the family asked what had happened, the principal stated that Phiwokuhle had been hit by a car while waiting for transportation, similar to other students. However, different versions of the events emerged. One version suggested the car reversed into the child, while another stated that a driver witnessed the accident and took the child inside the school instead of immediately seeking medical attention.
Despite being given permission to rush the child to the hospital, the school failed to do so. Instead, Phiwokuhle was kept inside the school’s office, where they later passed away.
Police Involvement and Further Concerns
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When the family visited Spingo Police Station on February 25, 2025, they were shocked to find that there were no official records of the driver responsible for the accident, despite police officers having spoken to him at the school. The lack of transparency from both the school and law enforcement has raised suspicions of negligence or a possible cover-up.Police recruitment drives
Family Demands Justice
The family is deeply disturbed by the way the situation was handled. Their biggest questions remain:Police recruitment drives
- Why was the child not taken to the hospital immediately?
- Why was the body left inside the office until the family arrived?
- Why is there no official record of the driver involved?
