Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is expected to brief the media on Tuesday, at 15:00 in the afternoon following a tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark that claimed the lives of 12 learners.
According to the Gauteng Provincial Government, the briefing will take place at the Sedibeng West District Office in Sebokeng. It will be preceded by visits to the bereaved families. The Premier will be joined by the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, Gauteng MECs responsible for Education, Health, and Roads and Transport, as well as local government leaders from the Sedibeng District and Emfuleni Municipality.
The media briefing is expected to provide an update on the circumstances surrounding the accident, outline the government’s response, and detail interventions being implemented to support affected families, learners, and the broader school community.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police have confirmed the arrest of the 22-year-old scholar transport driver who was involved in the crash, which occurred in Vanderbijlpark on Monday. The driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital on Monday night.
Gauteng Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo said the driver is expected to appear before the local magistrate’s court within 48 hours. He is facing 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Masondo confirmed that police verified the number of fatalities and injuries by visiting hospitals and the mortuary. “It can be confirmed that 12 learners died at the accident scene, while five others were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment,” he said.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the province, reigniting concerns around scholar transport safety and roadworthiness. Authorities have urged communities to allow investigations to run their course, while government leaders have extended condolences to the affected families.
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