Police have arrested the 22-year-old driver involved in a scholar transport accident that claimed the lives of 12 learners on Monday, 19 January . The driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital and is expected to appear in Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours, facing charges of twelve counts of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.
Authorities confirmed that 12 learners died at the scene, while five others were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, one of whom has since been discharged. The truck driver involved in the crash escaped unharmed, while a passenger sustained injuries and is receiving hospital care.
Police visited hospitals and the mortuary to verify fatalities and injuries and are continuing investigations, gathering witness statements to determine the full circumstances of the accident.
The incident has sparked widespread shock and mourning in the Vanderbijlpark and Sedibeng communities
