VANDERBIJLPARK – A 22-year-old minibus taxi driver has been arrested following a collision that killed 12 pupils in Vanderbijlpark on Monday morning, marking one of the deadliest school transport crashes in recent years.
It was initially reported that 13 pupils had died in the crash, but the Gauteng Department of Education later confirmed that the death toll was in fact 12.
The crash occurred at about 07:00 on Fred Droste Road (R553) behind ArcelorMittal, when the Toyota Quantum minibus allegedly attempted to overtake two vehicles and collided head-on with a side tipper truck whilst pupils were travelling to school.
The driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital, where he received treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo said the driver is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark magistrate’s court on Thursday (21 January) to face charges of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.
Police have confirmed the minibus taxi was overloaded at the time of the crash. The minibus, certified to carry 14 occupants, was transporting 18 people. Also according to reports, the driver of the taxi did not have the necessary permit for public transportation.
The truck driver was not injured in the collision, whilst a passenger travelling in the truck sustained injuries and remains in hospital.
Masondo said investigations are ongoing as police continue to obtain witness statements, with a focus on compliance and safety regulations and why the vehicle was over capacity.
SOME OF THE VICTIMS: Top left, Naledi Motsapi (16, Grade 10 El-Shaddai Christian School; top right, Lesego Sefatsa (7), Grade 2 Oakwood Primary School; middle right, Bokamoso Bokgobo (13), Grade 8 Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark; bottom left, Leano Moiloa (14) Grade 8 Vaal High School; bottom right, Ofentse Jayden Vinger (6), Grade 1 Oliver Lodge Primary School.
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