The death toll from a tragic scholar transport collision in Vanderbijlpark has increased to 14 after two more learners died in hospital during the early hours of Thursday morning.
The crash, which occurred on Monday, involved a minibus taxi transporting schoolchildren and a truck. Twelve learners were pronounced dead at the scene, while several others were rushed to nearby medical facilities with critical injuries.
Gauteng police have confirmed that the 22-year-old driver of the scholar transport vehicle will appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Following the latest fatalities, the driver now faces 14 counts of culpable homicide, along with charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said the additional charges were added after the two injured learners succumbed to their injuries in hospital. He confirmed that the accused is expected to make his first court appearance on Thursday morning.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane also confirmed the latest deaths, expressing deep concern over the recurring safety failures within the scholar transport system. He revealed that four learners remain hospitalised, although one has since been discharged from the intensive care unit.
Speaking to SABC News, Chiloane issued a stern warning to scholar transport operators, urging them to adhere strictly to road safety regulations. He cautioned against overloading vehicles and operating unroadworthy taxis, stressing that negligence continues to endanger the lives of learners across the province.
The MEC further referenced a separate incident in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, where a minibus taxi driver was arrested for transporting more than 20 schoolchildren in a single vehicle and operating without a valid permit. He said such incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement and accountability within the scholar transport sector.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those responsible for compromising learner safety are held accountable, as investigations into the Vanderbijlpark crash continue.
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