The 22-year-old scholar transport driver involved in a devastating crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark is expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court on Thursday, 22 January.
The driver faces 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving, following the collision between a scholar transport vehicle and a truck on Monday.
WATCH | Video footage of horror scholar crash emerges – GRAPHIC CONTENT
Learners Still Hospitalised
Three learners remain in hospital receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. The condition of the injured has not yet been disclosed.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that the driver’s professional driving permit had expired last year, raising further concerns about compliance and oversight in the scholar transport sector.
Gauteng Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said the driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital.
“The police have arrested the 22-year-old scholar transport driver. He was arrested after he was discharged from hospital and is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court,” Masondo said.
He added that the truck driver escaped unharmed, while the truck’s passenger sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.
Calls for Accountability
The tragedy has intensified calls for stricter regulation and monitoring of scholar transport operators, with government officials urging parents to verify the roadworthiness of vehicles and the credentials of drivers transporting learners.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are continuing.
