Driver in Vanderbijlpark crash granted R3,000 bail and banned from driving

A 23-year-old scholar transport driver accused of killing 14 learners in a crash near Vanderbijlpark has been granted R3,000 bail and barred from driving until his case is finalised.

Bail granted with strict conditions

The Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court granted bail to Ayanda Dludla on Wednesday despite the state opposing his release. He must pay R3,000 and comply with a list of conditions set by the court.

According to National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the conditions include reporting to the Vanderbijlpark Police Station every Friday, residing at his mother’s home unless authorised otherwise by the investigating officer, and refraining from driving any motor vehicle until the matter is finalised. He is also prohibited from interfering with witnesses.

“If he wishes to communicate an apology to the families of the deceased learners, such communication may only take place through the investigating officer,” Lumka Mahanjana said.

Charges and court date

Dludla faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and charges including operating a motor vehicle without a certificate of fitness, driving without a professional driving permit (PrDP) and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.

The matter has been postponed for trial to 9–17 November 2026.

What happened in the crash

The crash occurred on 19 January 2026 when Dludla was allegedly transporting 17 learners in a scholar transport vehicle along the R553 Golden Highway. The vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming truck. Fourteen learners were killed and three others were injured, the NPA said.

Scholar transport association responds

The Gauteng Education Transport Services (GETS) confirmed that the minibus involved was linked to one of its affiliated associations and said it had received complaints about Dludla’s alleged reckless driving.

GETS chairperson Matthews Mokhachane condemned reckless driving and said the organisation would introduce stricter controls following the crash. He said Dludla was driving a vehicle belonging to one of GETS’ associations but that Dludla himself was not a member. Mokhachane also said Dludla appeared on GETS records as a driver and that Dludla’s father holds a senior position within the organisation.

“These things never happened before, but nowadays we find drivers doing all sorts of shenanigans,” Mokhachane said.

Mokhachane said he had heard that Dludla had been reprimanded previously but said he could neither confirm nor deny that Dludla had driven recklessly before the accident because he had not personally observed him. He also raised concerns about overloading in the scholar transport industry and called for engagement with transport authorities to address the sector’s challenges.

Next steps

The case will proceed to trial on the November dates set by the court. The conditions of bail remain in place until the matter is concluded.