Vanderbijlpark Tragedy: Driver Arrested After Scholar Transport Crash Kills 12 Learners
Topic: Crime & Safety | Source: Sona Headlines | Location: Vanderbijlpark, SA
A devastating shadow has been cast over the start of the school year in Gauteng. Police have arrested the 22-year-old scholar transport driver involved in the horrific crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark on Monday.
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| Distraught families gather at the scene where 12 lives were cut short. |
The suspect faces 12 counts of culpable homicide and charges of reckless and negligent driving after his minibus collided head-on with a truck while allegedly attempting to overtake.
Driver Charged with Homicide
Gauteng Police Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday following the driver's discharge from the hospital.
The Charges
The 22-year-old faces 12 counts of culpable homicide as well as charges for reckless and negligent driving. He is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours.
"Human Error" Blamed
According to Gauteng traffic police spokesperson Sello Maremane, preliminary investigations point to driver error on a narrow road near Vanderbijlpark.
"The driver tried to overtake and did not realise that the articulated truck was approaching. When he attempted to return to the left lane, the minibus collided head-on with the truck," Maremane explained.
The driver of the truck involved in the collision escaped unharmed, though his passenger sustained injuries and remains hospitalized. The minibus taxi was reportedly torn apart by the impact.
Dreams Cut Short
Among the victims was 13-year-old Bokamoso Mokhobo. It was meant to be her very first day of high school.
"She Was So Excited"
Her cousin, Lesedi Mokhobo, recounted: "She was busy fixing her hair, asking if she looked fine... It was her first day of high school and her first time using scholar transport." Bokamoso succumbed to injuries moments after family arrived at the scene.
Another victim, Grade 2 learner Letlotlo Makwe from Vaal Primary School, was described by her grandmother as a lively child who loved beauty. "Only God knows why my granddaughter had to die like this," she lamented.
Government Response & Statistics
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the death toll was revised to 12. The victims attended:
- Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark (3 learners)
- El-Shaddai Christian School (4 learners)
- Vaal High School
- Vaal Primary School
- Suncrest High School
- Oliver Lodge Primary School
The crash has reignited calls for stricter enforcement. A recent operation by the Gauteng traffic inspectorate found:
- 74 minibuses discontinued for non-compliance.
- 153 drivers operating without valid licenses.
- 57 minibuses without valid discs.
Community Support
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the bereaved families on Wednesday to offer government support and counseling services.
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