Vaal Accident: Driver faces 14 counts of murder

Earlier today, Ayanda Dludla (22) appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court in connection with the fatal scholar transport crash which claimed the lives of 14 children earlier this week.

Dludla who abandoned bail faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of operating a motor vehicle without a certificate of fitness, driving without a professional driving permit and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.

NPA Regional Spokesperson, Gauteng Division, Lumka Mahanjana, said: “It is alleged that on 19 January, the accused was driving a scholar transport vehicle on the R553 Golden Highway, transporting 16 learners, when he allegedly collided head-on with an oncoming truck. The collision resulted in the deaths of 14 learners, while two learners and the truck driver sustained injuries. In court, the accused elected not to be released on bail.”

The matter was postponed to 05 March 2026 for further investigations. The accused remains in custody.