Grade 12 learner dies after school bus hits her during chaos at Hartbeespoort school

Mapaballo Borotho

A chaotic incident at Schaumburg Combined School led to four learners being struck by a bus as the driver attempted to flee for safety.
Three Grade 12 learners were hospitalised, and one matric girl later died from her injuries.
Police are investigating the events that triggered the unrest.

A Grade 12 pupil’s life has been cut short after being hit by a school bus during a chaotic incident that occurred at Schaumburg Combined School in Hartbeespoort on Thursday, 20 November 2025.

The learner succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, 23 November 2025.

Chaos reportedly broke out at the school last Thursday when four boys allegedly entered the school through a fence at the back of the premises.

The intruders reportedly started a fight with Grade 12 learners who were on their way home after completing their examinations.

As the altercation intensified, learners from lower grades became unruly and joined the commotion.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says educators intervened and attempted to restore order by directing learners toward the buses.

“At the bus loading area, the situation escalated further as some learners allegedly attempted to forcefully take control of buses. One bus driver, fearing for his safety, drove off to escape the unrest. Tragically, in the process, three Grade 12 learners and one Grade 10 learner were struck by the bus,” said Mabona.

The altercation reportedly subsided once learners realised the severity of the injuries sustained.

“Of the three Grade 12 learners who were admitted to hospital, one matric girl learner was transferred to a hospital in Ga-Rankuwa. Tragically, this learner succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, 23 November 2025.”

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident.