THREE days after the horrific accident that claimed the lives of four young pupils and left two others critically injured, it was business as usual on Mdlalose Street between Protea North and Protea Glen.

Yesterday afternoon there was nothing to show that the area is a black spot - no wreaths, no crosses.

The only evidence of Monday's tragedy was the flattened bushes at the spot where the two Mini Coopers, allegedly "dicing" at the time, ploughed into the pupils.

Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye and co-accused Themba Tshabalala were racing each other when they lost control of their cars.

Sowetan counted 19 cars per minute driving from Protea Glen to Protea North at moderate speed at 3.30pm past the accident scene.

Most pedestrians travelling between the two suburbs walked on the road, with vehicles passing a few centimetres from them.

Gift Mhlanga, 18, Kgomotso Phiri, 17, and Edward Baloyi, 18, all of Thomas Mofolo High School, said they passed the area daily and about two years ago a similar accident also claimed lives.

The boys said that a proper pavement would go a long way in making the stretch of road safer.

Resident Norah Mabaso said she avoided the road whenever she could "because it is really not safe".

She said she walked on the gravel sidewalk but had to jump onto the street where bushes obstructed her.