A 22-year-old driver of the scholar transport vehicle that allegedly caused a fatal accident in Vanderbijlpark on Monday has been arrested. “He was arrested after he was discharged from hospital. He is expected to appear before Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours, facing charges of 12 counts of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving,” said spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.
Masondo said the driver of a truck involved in the crash “escaped unharmed”. “Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements.” Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health has rejected unverified reports claiming the death toll from the crash has risen to 14. The department confirmed that 12 pupils lost their lives in the tragedy.
MEC for health and wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged the public to rely solely on official government channels for updates. She warned that the spread of false information is deepening trauma for affected families. “Let us work together to protect the dignity of the victims and ensure accurate information reaches our communities.
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At a time when families are grieving, and communities are in shock, the spread of inaccurate figures causes unnecessary panic and deepens the trauma of those directly affected,” she said. The department emphasised that speculation during moments of crisis has led to harmful misinformation that diverts attention from supporting families and providing medical care to survivors. According to the health department, seven survivors were initially transported by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services to Sebokeng Hospital and Kopanong Hospital following the accident. Sebokeng Hospital admitted four pupils and the minibus taxi driver, while Kopanong Hospital treated one pupil and the truck driver’s assistant for minor injuries before discharging both on Monday.
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