VANDERBIJLPARK – The death toll in the tragic scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark has risen to 14 after two more learners succumbed to their injuries in hospital early of this morning.
Gauteng police have confirmed that the 22-year-old scholar transport driver now faces 14 counts of culpable homicide, in addition to charges of reckless and negligent driving.
He is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court today.
READ: Learner transport driver arrested after 12 pupils killed in Vanderbijlpark crash
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspect was arrested after being discharged from hospital.
“The police have arrested the 22-year-old scholar transport driver who was involved in an accident that claimed the lives of learners in Vanderbijlpark,” Masondo said.
The crash occurred on Monday, 19 January, when the scholar transport vehicle collided with a truck. Twelve learners were killed at the scene, while five others were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
READ: Eleven learners killed as minibus taxi collides with truck near Vanderbijlpark
Masondo said police verified the fatalities by visiting hospitals and the mortuary.
“After the police visited the hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it was confirmed that learners died at the accident scene and others were taken to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment,” he said.
Two of the injured learners later died in hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to 14.
One learner has since been discharged.
According to Masondo, the driver of the truck involved in the collision escaped unharmed, while his passenger sustained injuries.
“The driver of the truck that was involved in the accident escaped unharmed while the passenger sustained injuries and was receiving treatment in hospital,” he said.
Meanwhile, video footage of the accident, which has been widely circulated and reported on by several news outlets, has intensified public outrage.
The footage allegedly shows the scholar transport being driven recklessly and at high speed shortly before the collision. Police have confirmed the footage will be assessed as part of the investigation.
Masondo said investigations are continuing.
“Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements,” he said.
The tragedy has shocked the Vaal region, with communities mourning the loss of young lives and renewed calls for stricter monitoring of scholar transport services.
