Gauteng Education Department releases names of learners lost in Vanderbijlpark crash

Gauteng releases names of learners killed in Vanderbijlpark scholar transport tragedy

A heavy cloud of grief continues to hang over the Vaal Triangle after the Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the names of the learners who died in a devastating scholar transport accident earlier this week.

The crash happened on Monday morning on the R553 in Vanderbijlpark, as learners were travelling to school. The taxi they were in collided with a truck, turning an ordinary school run into a tragedy that has shaken families, schools and the wider community.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the department offered its heartfelt condolences to the families, parents and school communities affected by the loss.

Young lives cut short across multiple schools

The learners who died ranged from Grade 1 to Grade 11, attending schools across Vanderbijlpark and surrounding areas. The department confirmed the deceased as:

• Buhle Radebe – Grade 11, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark

• Bokamoso Mokhobo – Grade 8, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark

• Sibongile Madonsela – Grade 10, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark

• Leano Moiloa – Grade 8, Vaal High School

• Lesego Sefatsa – Grade 2, Oakwood Primary School

• Letlotlo Katlego Makwe – Grade 2, Vaal Triangle Primary School

• Ofentse Jayden Vinger – Grade 1, Oliver Lodge Primary School

• Lindokuhle Mabaso – Grade 5, Noordhoek Primary School

• Pheello Motaung – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School

• Puleng Maphalla – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School

• Naledi Motsapi – Grade 10, El-Shaddai Christian School

• Bohlale Lekekela – Grade 1, El-Shaddai Christian School

For many residents, the list has been particularly painful to read, as it reflects the reality that children from multiple households, neighbourhoods and schools were all affected in a single moment.

Arrest follows as questions mount

Police have confirmed that the 22-year-old taxi driver involved in the crash has been arrested. He faces charges of culpable homicide as well as reckless and negligent driving.

The arrest has reignited long-standing concerns around scholar transport safety in Gauteng, especially the condition of vehicles and the behaviour of drivers entrusted with young lives.

Community grief and growing calls for action

Since news of the accident broke, messages of grief and anger have flooded social media. Parents, teachers and community members have shared condolences, while also calling for stricter oversight of scholar transport services.

In many South African communities, scholar transport is a lifeline for families who rely on taxis to get children to school safely. Tragedies like this one highlight the risks involved when safety standards fail.

As the affected schools prepare to support grieving learners and teachers, the Vaal Triangle mourns together, united by loss, remembrance and renewed calls to protect children on the country’s roads.

{Source: The Citizen}

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