Dashcam footage believed to be from a truck involved in the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash has emerged, showing the minibus driver overtaking several vehicles moments before colliding with the truck. Police confirmed on Tuesday that the driver of the scholar transport vehicle has been arrested after being discharged from the hospital. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver’s professional driving permit (PDP) had expired at the time of the crash.
“Based on the work done by the police, we have now established that the PDP, which is the public driver’s certificate, had expired last year in November, and therefore he was driving without the necessary permits,” Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said. The crash, which occurred on a narrow road in the Vaal area, claimed the lives of 12 pupils who were travelling to school. Authorities have cautioned against the spread of unverified information following reports suggesting the death toll had risen.
The Gauteng Department of Health dismissed claims that the number of fatalities had increased to 14, confirming that 12 pupils died in the crash. MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko urged the public to rely on official government communication for updates, warning that misinformation was compounding the trauma experienced by affected families. She said the department was concerned about the emotional toll false reports were having on communities and grieving relatives. The provincial government has indicated that psychosocial support services will be provided to affected schools and pupils, with officials emphasising the need for community support during the recovery process.
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