Shocking dashcam footage shows minibus overtaking before Vanderbijlpark crash

Shocking dashcam footage shows minibus overtaking before Vanderbijlpark crash

Dashcam footage from the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport tragedy has sent shockwaves through Gauteng, revealing a harrowing sequence moments before the fatal collision. The clip appears to show the minibus overtaking multiple vehicles on the road, moments before colliding with a truck, highlighting a series of risky decisions that ended in tragedy.

#NDABANEWS: VIDEO FOOTAGE RELEASED AFTER VANDERBIJLPARK SCHOLAR TRANSPORT TRAGEDY

VANDERBIJLPARK, VAAL – Video footage of the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport accident has been released following the tragic crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners.

The heartbreaking incident… pic.twitter.com/qVYfezWpuR

Thulani Ndaba (@tndaba) January 21, 2026

Driver arrested and permit issues

Police confirmed on Tuesday that the 22-year-old driver, who had been hospitalised following the crash, has now been arrested. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was operating the vehicle with an expired professional driving permit (PDP), which had lapsed in November 2025.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said:

“Based on the work done by the police, we have now established that the PDP, which is the public driver’s certificate, had expired last year in November, and therefore he was driving without the necessary permits.”

The revelation has raised questions about oversight in scholar transport services and sparked calls for stricter monitoring of drivers’ credentials.

Supporting affected pupils and schools

Premier Lesufi also stressed the importance of community and psychosocial support for the pupils and schools affected by the tragedy. Many learners and teachers have been traumatised by the crash, and officials are working to provide counselling and mental health services.

Confirmed death toll

Amid a swirl of misinformation on social media, the Gauteng Department of Health has clarified that 12 pupils lost their lives in the incident, rejecting unverified reports suggesting the toll had risen to 14.

MEC for health and wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko urged the public to rely solely on official government statements, warning that false information only deepens the pain for grieving families.

“We appeal to communities to refrain from sharing unverified news. Families are already dealing with unimaginable loss, and misinformation only adds to their trauma,” she said.

Road safety concerns

The Vanderbijlpark crash has reignited debate about the safety of scholar transport vehicles and the responsibility of operators to maintain valid permits. Public safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of driving regulations, regular vehicle inspections, and enhanced training for drivers who transport children.

The dashcam footage, though distressing, serves as a stark reminder of how a few seconds of reckless driving can have devastating consequences. As investigations continue, authorities have promised thorough accountability measures and a renewed focus on safeguarding learners on the roads.

{Source: The Citizen}

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