Learner spins out of control while driving teacher's car

Learner spins out of control while driving teacher's car

Learners were meant to wash cars for a fundraising event, but one allegedly decided to take a teacher's car for a spin. 

A Volkswagen car crashed across a water tunnel in Northern Cape
A Volkswagen car crashed across a water tunnel in Northern Cape/Facebook/Hani Chauke Msindo

This story sounds like something straight out of a movie.

Grade 11 learners at Vaalharts Combined School in the Northern Cape allegedly decided to take their teacher's car on a joyride. Things got out of control, and the vehicle ended up in a water canal.  

El-Zané Du Plessis, a foundation phase teacher at the school, shared how one of the students decided to take her Volkswagen T-Cross for a drive without her permission and crashed the car. The damages were extensive, including the radiator, gearbox, and chassis.

Bona Magazine said, "The incident occurred when Miss Du Plessis left the keys in the car for the students to clean it thoroughly. However, the student had other plans and drove the car at high speed, nearly hitting a woman and child before crashing into a ditch. Moreover, this student had a history of reckless behaviour, having driven another teacher’s car through town just the day before."

A Volkswagen car crashed across a water tunnel in Northern Cape
A Volkswagen car crashed across a water tunnel in Northern Cape/Facebook/Hani Chauke Msindo

The teacher has been placed in a tricky situation because she allegedly left the keys in the car. A fierce debate has ignited online, with some saying they would never leave their car keys with Grade 11 pupils. 

The student took the car without supervision and allegedly showed no remorse for his actions. 

What's worse? According to Bona Magazine, the "South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) refused to back her, citing their inability to take criminal action against minors’ cases. However, SADTU’s Chief Executive, Paul Sauer, stated that while they can’t intervene in criminal matters, they would support Miss Du Plessis if she is unhappy with the school’s disciplinary process."

People are also questioning whether Du Plessis's insurance will assist in the case, given the unique circumstances. 

It is sad to see the mistrust and irresponsible demeanour of students in the senior phase of their schooling careers. What example are they setting for the younger students? 

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