Police have arrested a 22-year-old scholar transport driver following a tragic crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark on Monday.
The driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital on Monday night, where he had been receiving treatment following the collision.
Reckless and negligent driving
According to Gauteng Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, the driver is expected to appear before the local magistrate’s court within 48 hours.
He will face 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Masondo confirmed that police conducted visits to hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries.
“After the police visited the hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed that 12 learners died at the accident scene, while five learners were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, one of whom has since been discharged,” Masondo said.
He added that the truck driver involved in the collision escaped unharmed, while the truck passenger sustained injuries and remains under medical care.
Witness statements
Police investigations are continuing, with officers in the process of obtaining witness statements to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver was allegedly attempting to overtake several vehicles when the minibus collided head-on with a truck travelling in the opposite direction along Fred Droste Road.
The incident has once again placed the spotlight on scholar transport safety, prompting renewed calls from authorities and community leaders for stricter oversight and compliance within the sector.
