The driver of the scholar transport minibus involved in the devastating Vaal crash that claimed the lives of 14 learners has made his first court appearance, as prosecutors confirmed that charges against him have been significantly escalated.
Twenty-two-year-old Ayanda Dludla briefly appeared before a packed Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where it was revealed that the case against him has been amended from culpable homicide to multiple counts of murder.
The courtroom was quiet during proceedings, but emotions ran high outside as grieving families gathered, hoping for answers and accountability following one of the deadliest scholar transport tragedies in recent years.
Dludla, dressed in jeans and a white golf T-shirt, stood before Magistrate Claudia Venter as the State confirmed that he now faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and three additional charges related to contraventions of the Road Traffic Act.
The charges stem from a horrific crash in the Vaal area in which a scholar transport minibus taxi collided with a truck, killing 14 schoolchildren and leaving several others seriously injured.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that the decision to upgrade the charges followed a detailed assessment of the evidence contained in the police docket.
“It is now 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and three other charges for contravening the Road Traffic Act,” Mahanjana said.
She explained that the attempted murder charges relate to learners who survived the crash and are still receiving medical treatment in hospital. Mahanjana added that the matter was postponed to allow investigators to finalise outstanding work, including the collection of witness statements and post-mortem reports.
During the proceedings, Dludla’s legal representative, Cathna de Klerk, informed the court that her client had abandoned his application for bail. Magistrate Venter subsequently postponed the matter to 5 March.
Outside court, grief and frustration were palpable as family members of the victims spoke about the lasting impact of the tragedy.
Themba Radebe, the uncle of the late Buhle Radebe, a Grade 11 learner who died in the crash, said the pain extended far beyond one household.
“We are not the only ones who lost a child. Thirteen other families lost children as well,” Radebe said.
He urged taxi drivers and vehicle owners to take responsibility for road safety and compliance, saying the crash should serve as a wake-up call for the industry.
“After seeing the video, I broke down. It’s not only about my niece. Talking will never bring every soul back, but to taxi drivers and owners, please do some introspection,” he said.
Radebe added that the postponement of the case did little to ease the families’ pain.
“The fact is that we lost our children. Having them back would heal us, but they will not be back. We are hopeful that justice will be served.”
The case is expected to return to court in March as the State continues its investigation and prepares for trial.
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