The driver of a scholar transport vehicle involved in the fatal Vanderbijlpark crash that claimed the lives of 12 pupils has been arrested and is expected to appear in court on multiple charges. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the 22-year-old driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital. “He is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours, facing 12 counts of culpable homicide as well as reckless and negligent driving,” Masondo said.
Police confirmed that 12 pupils died at the scene on Monday morning, while five others were taken to hospital for medical treatment. One of the injured pupils has since been discharged. Meanwhile, preliminary investigations by the Gauteng Department of Transport suggest that both the driver and the vehicle may not have been legally authorised to transport pupils.
Department spokesperson Lesiba Mpya said early indications pointed to the driver being unlicensed and the Toyota Quantum not being registered for scholar transport. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday, Mpya cautioned that investigations were still ongoing and being led by police. We have received a preliminary report that is in the public domain, as well as speculative reports.
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At this stage, we are still verifying this information, but it points to the driver and the vehicle possibly being unlicensed. The Gauteng Education Department confirmed that the death toll had been revised to 12. Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said one of the deceased pupils had not yet been formally identified. Three pupils remain in hospital, while one child was airlifted to a private medical facility due to the severity of their injuries.
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