Michael Sakuneka

Michael Sakuneka

A two-year-old girl died and her twin sister was critically injured after the two were hit by a speeding train at GaDikgale, near Polokwane, Limpopo.

Mankweng police spokesperson Inspector Malan Nchabeleng said the surviving twin sister was admitted to the Polokwane Provincial Hospital in a serious condition.

The twins were allegedly playing on the railway line at Marobala village, near GaDikgale between Polokwane and Louis Trichardt, on Tuesday at about 3pm.

Nchabeleng said the twins are said to have been so engrossed in their play that they did not hear or see the approaching train.

"The speeding train slammed into the girls, killing the one twin instantly.

"The other twin suffered multiple injuries.

"She was rushed to hospital in a critical condition," he said.

Nchabeleng said the train was said to have been on its way from Louis Trichardt to Polokwane when the accident happened.

The dead child has been identified as Moyagabo Matlou and her sister as Malefo.

Nchabeleng said this was the first accident of its nature in the area.

He said the police and community were concerned about the railway line passing so near to the villages. Nchabeleng said this posed a threat to children.

Nchabeleng said police have opened a case of culpable homicide. He asked parents to ensure that their children played in safe places at all times.