Vanderbijlpark – The scholar transport driver, who was behind the wheel when his minibus taxi crashed into a tipper truck, resulting in the death of 14 schoolchildren, has appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.
National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the 22-year-old driver, Ayanda Dludla, abandoned his bail application when he briefly appeared in court on Thursday, 22 January 2026.
“Dludla faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of operating a motor vehicle without a certificate of fitness, driving without a professional driving permit, and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle,” said Mahanjana.
It is alleged that on 19 January 2026, the accused was driving a scholar transport vehicle on the R553 Golden Highway, transporting 16 learners, when he allegedly collided head-on with an oncoming truck.
The collision resulted in the deaths of 14 learners, while two learners and the truck driver sustained injuries.
In court, the accused elected not to be released on bail.
The matter was postponed to 5 March 2026 for further investigations.
