The incident occurred on Friday morning as the six-year-old was waiting for her scholar transport to Mamothalo Primary School.
According to a preliminary report from officials at the scene, the pupils pushed each other as they ran towards the bus to gain entry.
One of the pupils was pushed under the bus and run over while the driver was still parking his vehicle.
Members of the Emergency Medical Service and the South African Police Service arrived at the scene with community members.
The child was declared dead on the scene.
Ward Councillor Kgala Legodi says the bereaved family and pupils will receive psychosocial support.
“It was a mistake because we normally, when children are using buses, they sometimes push each other – who must get in first, who must not. So it was a mistake,” says Legodi.
“We don’t say it happened intentionally; it was a total mistake. As the Polokwane Municipality, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family
