A Limpopo bus company has refused to compensate the family of a girl who was knocked down and killed in an accident on the basis that the victim was not a passenger. They say the family should claim from the Road Accident Fund instead.
Rethabile Rakubu, 11, died on July 18 as a result of injuries she had sustained after she was run over by a bus. The incident happened at GaMokgolobotho village near Tzaneen on July 14. Rethabile was allegedly crossing the road when the speeding bus hit her.
Rethabile, a Grade 6 pupil at Lebowaganyane Primary School at GaSekgopo, died four days later at Letaba Hospital in NkowaNkowa. Great North Transport had allegedly promised to contribute R25000 towards the burial but made an about-turn. Her mother, Maria Rakubu, said after she was informed that Great North would assist with burial funds, she borrowed money for funeral preparations with the intention to pay back from the company's contribution.
She told Sowetan yesterday that she was heavily indebted and could not pay back the debts after the company refused to pay the money promised to her. "The company approached me and acknowledged that they were responsible for my daughter's death. The officials who visited informed me that I would receive R25000 to be used to bury my daughter," said Rakubu.
She said the money was supposed to be paid on July 21 [two days before the funeral] but she was taken by surprise when the company changed its tune.
"I was waiting for the money when I suddenly received news that the company would no longer pay as promised. Upon inquiring, I was told that it was because my daughter was only hit by the bus and she was not a passenger in the bus. But the bottom line is that she died as a result of being hit by the bus," said the 36-year-old unemployed mother.
Aunt Gloria Rakubu also said she was worried that the company was responsible for her niece's death but did not assist as it had promised. Maria added that the bus driver who knocked down her daughter had also offered to help from his own pocket but was nowhere to be seen during her time of need.
The driver, identified as Don Motau, said he was advised against making any financial contribution because the matter was in the hands of the police. "I wanted to do it (contribution) out of humanity but I was advised against it," Motau said.
Great North Transport spokesman Patrick Monkoe said policy dictated that only commuters could be helped through the company's insurance policy. "Claims for any other form of death or injury occurring as a result of our fleet should be done through the Road Accident Fund," Monkoe said.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
Bus firm won't pay after child's death
A Limpopo bus company has refused to compensate the family of a girl who was knocked down and killed in an accident on the basis that the victim was not a passenger. They say the family should claim from the Road Accident Fund instead.
Rethabile Rakubu, 11, died on July 18 as a result of injuries she had sustained after she was run over by a bus. The incident happened at GaMokgolobotho village near Tzaneen on July 14. Rethabile was allegedly crossing the road when the speeding bus hit her.
Rethabile, a Grade 6 pupil at Lebowaganyane Primary School at GaSekgopo, died four days later at Letaba Hospital in NkowaNkowa. Great North Transport had allegedly promised to contribute R25000 towards the burial but made an about-turn. Her mother, Maria Rakubu, said after she was informed that Great North would assist with burial funds, she borrowed money for funeral preparations with the intention to pay back from the company's contribution.
She told Sowetan yesterday that she was heavily indebted and could not pay back the debts after the company refused to pay the money promised to her. "The company approached me and acknowledged that they were responsible for my daughter's death. The officials who visited informed me that I would receive R25000 to be used to bury my daughter," said Rakubu.
She said the money was supposed to be paid on July 21 [two days before the funeral] but she was taken by surprise when the company changed its tune.
"I was waiting for the money when I suddenly received news that the company would no longer pay as promised. Upon inquiring, I was told that it was because my daughter was only hit by the bus and she was not a passenger in the bus. But the bottom line is that she died as a result of being hit by the bus," said the 36-year-old unemployed mother.
Aunt Gloria Rakubu also said she was worried that the company was responsible for her niece's death but did not assist as it had promised. Maria added that the bus driver who knocked down her daughter had also offered to help from his own pocket but was nowhere to be seen during her time of need.
The driver, identified as Don Motau, said he was advised against making any financial contribution because the matter was in the hands of the police. "I wanted to do it (contribution) out of humanity but I was advised against it," Motau said.
Great North Transport spokesman Patrick Monkoe said policy dictated that only commuters could be helped through the company's insurance policy. "Claims for any other form of death or injury occurring as a result of our fleet should be done through the Road Accident Fund," Monkoe said.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
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