Crash
1Min
South Africa
Jan 20, 2026
The 22-year-old driver of a scholar transport vehicle involved in a deadly crash in Vanderbijlpark has been arrested and is expected to appear in court on multiple charges.
The 22-year-old scholar transport driver who was involved in a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark has been arrested.
The crash occurred on Monday, 19 January 2026. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital.
Masondo said the driver is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours, where he will face 12 counts of culpable homicide as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.
“After the police visited the hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed that twelve learners died at the accident scene,” Masondo said. He added that five learners were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, with one since discharged.
The driver of the truck involved in the collision was not injured, while a passenger travelling in the truck sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
Police investigations are continuing, with officers in the process of gathering witness statements to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
