Northern Cape Pupil Crashes Teacher’s VW In Canal After Joyride During School Fundraiser

A school fundraiser in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape, took a shocking turn when a Grade 11 pupil crashed a teacher’s car after taking it for a joyride without permission. The vehicle, a Volkswagen T-Cross bought at the end of 2022, was severely damaged—its radiator and gearbox destroyed—after the teen drove it into a water canal.

The car belonged to El-Zané du Plessis, a 26-year-old foundation phase teacher at a local combined school. As part of a fundraising initiative held on 16 May, Grade 11 learners had offered to wash teachers’ cars.

“The school had a sports day, and various grades came up with plans to raise funds. For example, one grade sold cookies, while the Grade 11s decided to wash the teachers’ cars,” Du Plessis explained.

Though initially hesitant, Du Plessis eventually agreed to let them wash her car.

“I don’t really like the idea as I’m afraid the kids might scratch your car or mess around with your things, but I eventually agreed after they pleaded with me. They were too busy on Thursday, so I let them wash my car on Friday.”

From Car Wash to Chaos: ‘We Crashed Into a Canal’

On the day of the incident, Du Plessis handed over her car keys, leaving them with the pupils to prevent the vehicle from locking automatically. But by 1 p.m., she received alarming news.

“One of the children called me and I thought they were going to boast about how clean my car was,” she said.

Instead, she was told that three boys had taken her car and left the school premises. When she arrived at the parking spot, she found only one pupil sitting there, who told her the car had crashed into a canal while trying to avoid a dog.

“When I got to where my car was supposed to be, a child was sitting there and told me he had gone to store buckets and rags, but drove into a canal because he had swerved to avoid a dog,” Du Plessis recalled.

However, eyewitnesses gave a different account. A woman and her child told Du Plessis that the car was travelling at “incredible speed” and nearly hit them before plunging into the canal.

Insurance Concerns Mount as Police Downplay the Case

Du Plessis now fears her insurance may not cover the damage due to how the police have categorised the incident.

“The police said the children did not steal the car to keep it for themselves or sell it, so they opened a case of borrowing without permission,” she said.

Despite the significant damage, authorities refused to open a theft case, but indicated that other charges may be pursued. The outcome could leave the young teacher footing the repair bill for a vehicle she entrusted to pupils in good faith.

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