A candlelight ceremony, organised by COSATU and its affiliates, to honour the deceased and extend condolences to their bereaved families, was held at the scene of the accident. “We can’t complain. I believe everything happens for a reason.
But let this be a lesson for each and every taxi owner and any driver that is driving to be very cautious and do some introspection and monitor cars.” Those were the words of Themba Radebe, family spokesperson for his late niece Busisiwe Radebe, 16, who died in the crash. He was speaking outside the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court after private scholar transport driver Ayanda Dludla abandoned his bail application in the accident that claimed 14 learners in the Vaal. Dludla appeared before the court on January 22, where the case was postponed to 5 March 2026.
The deadly Vaal crash has once again placed the spotlight on road safety failures, vehicle roadworthiness, and alleged negligence within the taxi industry. Grieving families said that the tragedy should serve as a turning point, warning that unless urgent action is taken, more lives will be lost. Radebe said the incident must be a lesson not only for drivers butalso for vehicle owners who allow unroadworthy taxis to operate. Radebe said the incident must be a lesson not only for drivers but
