The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is demanding a thorough investigation into the tragic death of 13-year-old Nqobile Hlophe, a Grade 8 student from Pinetown Girls High.
Nqobile's body was found over the weekend on the N3 near the Richmond bridge. Police have confirmed that she was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Friday. The teenager had been reported missing by her family after failing to return home.
Described by her school and family as a loving and gentle soul, Nqobile will be laid to rest on Thursday. Her family has publicly appealed for justice, revealing that the post-mortem examination uncovered distressing details about her death.
Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi expressed deep sympathy for the family, stating, "You can imagine the trauma that the family is going through. We hope that justice will be served."
Police have recovered a blood-stained car registration plate from the scene and are investigating the case as culpable homicide.
