Widely-circulated images of a tribute to the group of learners who died in a school transport minibus crash in Vanderbijlpark have been classified as AI-generated by the Gauteng Department of Education.
The public has been cautioned against sharing it on their social media platforms.
On Monday, 19 January, the driver of the scholar taxi collided with a truck on the Fred Droste Road (R553) near Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng. The incident took place before school.
STOP SHARING AI-GENERATED IMAGES, SAYS DEPARTMENT
On Tuesday, the Gauteng Department of Education cautioned the public against the spread of AI-generated tributes to the 12 learners who died in the Vanderbijlpark school transport minibus crash.
One image that has circulated on WhatsApp and social media included the portraits of 11 school learners wearing various uniforms. The tribute featured an image of a mangled minibus and several white doves. It also contained lit candles, flowers, a South African flag, and white crosses that read: “RIP.”
The caption read: “In loving memory of the 13 learners who died in a taxi crash in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. Gone, but not forgotten.”
Another viral tribute image featured pictures of 13 children with eerily similar-looking faces.
The department said of the fake images in a media statement: “It is deeply unfortunate that some individuals choose to exploit a tragic incident to spread misinformation.
“These fabricated messages cause unnecessary harm, fuel confusion during a sensitive time. [They] distract from the real work of supporting affected families and providing critical care to survivors”.
The public was called to verify information through official government communication channels and news outlets.
It added: “Let us work together to protect the dignity of the victims and ensure accurate information reaches our communities.”
VANDERBIJLPARK SCHOOL TRANSPORT CRASH DEATH TOLL
In a press conference on Tuesday, the Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that 12 learners had died in the Vanderbijlpark school transport crash.
Of the dozen school children, 11 bodies had been identified by their respective families, with one awaiting verification. Autopsies are currently being carried out.
Seven individuals – five children and two adults, including the minibus driver – survived the crash and were taken in for medical treatment.
