Vanderbijlpark scholar transport driver to appear in court over fatal crash

Vanderbijlpark scholar transport driver to appear in court over fatal crash

The families of 12 young learners are still grappling with shock and grief after Monday’s tragic Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash, which claimed their children’s lives. Now, attention turns to the 22-year-old driver, who is expected to appear in court on Thursday facing 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.

The accident, which involved a scholar transport minibus and a truck, has sent ripples of sorrow and anger across Gauteng and the country. Twelve learners died, while several others were injured. As of Tuesday, three pupils remain hospitalized as authorities continue to provide medical care and gather evidence about the incident.

Arrest and investigation

The driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital, where he had been treated following the crash, Gauteng police confirmed. Police have also been verifying the scale of the tragedy, visiting hospitals and the mortuary to confirm both fatalities and injuries.

Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, a police spokesperson, said the truck driver involved in the crash escaped unharmed, though the truck’s passenger sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.

“Investigations are ongoing as we continue to obtain witness statements and assess the events leading up to the crash,” Masondo said. The exact cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed.

Renewed concerns over scholar transport safety

The tragedy has reignited a national debate about learner transport safety and road conditions. Parents, educators, and community leaders have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more rigorous oversight of scholar transport services.

Social media has been filled with expressions of sorrow and outrage, with many users questioning whether sufficient safety checks were conducted on the minibus and whether drivers were properly licensed.

Court appearance and next steps

The court appearance on Thursday will mark the first time the driver formally faces the charges linked to the deaths of 12 learners. Legal representatives and police are expected to provide updates on the investigation, which will likely include witness testimonies, vehicle checks, and an analysis of the road conditions at the time of the crash.

“More details around the crash are expected to emerge when the accused driver makes his first court appearance,” police said.

For the families affected, the court proceedings represent a long-awaited step toward accountability, even as they continue to mourn the loss of their children and grapple with the broader questions of road safety and learner transport oversight in Gauteng.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com