South Africa School Bus Crash: 22-Year-Old Driver Faces Murder Charges as Death Toll Hits 14
A 22-year-old driver accused of causing a devastating school bus crash that killed 14 pupils in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, has appeared in court, where he abandoned his bail application. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across Gauteng and the entire nation.
Court Appearance and Serious Charges
Ayanda Dludla faced the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on Thursday, charged with 14 counts of murder, attempted murder, driving without a valid permit, and operating an unlicensed vehicle. The charges stem from the deadly collision that occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026, on the R553 Golden Highway.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana, stated that prosecutors found sufficient evidence to pursue murder charges rather than culpable homicide. "As the state, we do have the prima facie evidence to charge the accused with the charges of murder. There is a case that the accused needs to answer," Mahanjana emphasized.
She added that if Dludla had not abandoned his bail application, the state would have opposed his release due to the severity of the charges. The driver, sporting a scar on his forehead from the crash, will return to court on March 5 for further proceedings.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The crash involved a scholar transport vehicle carrying 16 pupils that collided head-on with an oncoming truck. Authorities confirmed that 14 learners lost their lives in the accident, while others sustained injuries. Three pupils remain hospitalized, receiving medical treatment for their wounds.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo reported that the truck driver escaped unharmed, but the truck's passenger was injured and is currently receiving hospital care. The 22-year-old bus driver was arrested on Tuesday after being discharged from the hospital where he had been treated following the collision.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue as police gather witness statements and assess the events leading up to the tragic incident. The Gauteng Education Department has released the names and photos of the victims, which include students from multiple schools:
- Buhle Radebe – Grade 11, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
- Bokamoso Mokhobo – Grade 8, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
- Sibongile Madonsela – Grade 10, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
- Leano Moiloa – Grade 8, Vaal High School
- Lesego Sefatsa – Grade 2, Oakwood Primary School
- Letlotlo Katlego Makwe – Grade 2, Vaal Triangle Primary School
- Ofentse Jayden Vinger – Grade 1, Oliver Lodge Primary School
- Lindokuhle Mabaso – Grade 5, Noordhoek Primary School
- Pheello Motaung – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
- Puleng Maphalla – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
- Naledi Motsapi – Grade 10, El-Shaddai Christian School
- Bohlale Lekekela – Grade 1, El-Shaddai Christian School
Families of the deceased learners filled the courtroom during the proceedings, highlighting the profound community impact of this tragedy. The incident has raised serious concerns about scholar transport safety and regulatory compliance in South Africa.
