An investigation is underway into the death of an eight-year-old girl, who was struck by a train in Stellenbosch earlier this week.

The Western Cape SAPS confirmed that a culpable homicide investigation was launched by Stellenbosch police, with no arrests made as yet.  

“This follows an accident whereby an eight-year-old girl was hit by a train after school, at around 14:18 and was declared deceased on the crime scene by medical personnel,” said Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Thembakazi Mpendukana.  

PRASA Western Cape confirmed that the incident happened at the Lynedoch station on Tuesday. 

“PRASA remains committed to the safety and security of all passengers and will provide further information once the relevant facts have been established,” said PRASA spokesperson, Zino Mihi, noting she cannot comment further on the circumstances of the incident at this stage. 

The girl, identified as Ruche Basson, was reportedly on her way home from school with friends at the time of the incident. According to Die Son newspaper, the children had got off the bus at the station.  

She was a Grade 2 learner at Vlottenburg Primary. The school took to social media a day after the incident to express its heartbreak at the young girl’s passing and shared its condolences with her family.

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our beloved learners, Ruche Basson Grade 2 of Vlottenburg Primary, who passed away yesterday. Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, classmates and the entire Vlottenburg Primary, Lynedoch community during this incredibly difficult time. May the beautiful memories of her always live on in our hearts. May God give her family strength, comfort and peace in the days ahead. Rest easy, dear angel. You will always be part of the Vlottenburg family,” read the school’s statement, translated to English.