JOHANNESBURG – Two more learners have died after succumbing to their injuries following a crash involving a scholar transport vehicle in Vanderbijlpark, bringing the total number of fatalities to 14.
In an update, Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the 22-year-old driver of the scholar transport is now facing 14 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving, after the latest deaths were confirmed in the early hours of Thursday, 22 January 2026.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate Court later this morning.
The horrific accident, which sent shockwaves across Gauteng and the country, involved a scholar transport vehicle and a truck. Fourteen learners have died from the crash.
On Tuesday, IOL reported that Gauteng police said the scholar transport driver was arrested after being discharged from the hospital, where he had been receiving treatment following the crash. Police visited hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries.
Masondo previously said the driver of the truck involved in the crash escaped unharmed, while the truck’s passenger sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Investigations are ongoing as police continue to obtain witness statements and assess the events leading up to the crash. The cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about scholar transport safety and road conditions, with calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved oversight of learner transport services.
More details around the crash are expected to emerge when the accused driver makes his first court appearance.
Identities of 12 children killed in scholar transport crash released
The Gauteng education department has confirmed and made public the identities of the 12 children who died in Vanderbijlpark on Monday.
The driver of a scholar transport vehicle, who collided head-on with a truck, is expected to appear in court on Thursday to face charges of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.
The department, offering condolences to those affected by the road accident, said of the children: “Your dreams, smiles and potential will forever remain part of our collective memory. You will always be remembered, honoured and loved.”
The children were in grades 1 to 11:
– 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.
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