25.01.2026
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Several funerals held for victims of Vanderbijlpark crash

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  • The funeral service of relatives 18-year-old Phehello Motaung and seven-year-old Lesego Sefatsa in Sebokeng, 24 Jan 2026.

Several funerals were held on Saturday for some of the 14 learners who died following a horrific crash in Vanderbijlpark on Monday. A joint funeral service was held for relatives – 18-year-old Phehello Motaung and seven-year-old Lesego Sefatsa at their home in Sebokeng Zone 14 in the Vaal.

They were among the learners who died when their scholar transport taxi collided with a heavy-duty truck along the Goldern highway. The taxi driver Ayanda Dludla appeared in the local magistrates court this week, facing several charges including 14 counts of murder.

Sadness and grief, gripped the Sebokeng community as the hearse carrying the bodies of the two learners arrived at their home for the last time before being taken to their final resting place.

Family members, learners, and the community gathered to bid farewell to Lesego Sefatsa and his uncle Phehello Motaung.
Some mourners broke down in tears while others held onto one another for support. Lesego’s mother who’s also Motaung’s sister, Felani Mavundla, described the two as bubbly children who loved school and church.

“Phehello was very bubbly, every Friday he made sure to attend band rehearsals at church. Then my Lesego was also very bubly.”

Motaung’s principal from El-Shaddai Christian school Rebotile Masha  says the loss has devastated the school since four of the victims had attended there.

“Phehello was this child who was loved by everyone because of his respect. He was a soccer player and our school team has lost. Phehello had the ability to revive assembly because he was playing a trumpet. Our assembly is not going to be the same. As El-Shaddai family we don’t have words to console the family because we know and understand how deep the pain is.”

The Principal of Oakwood Primary school Wilmarie Botha where Lesego attended, says the little boy had a promising future and his absence at school will be deeply felt.

“Lesego was a precious gift. A young life filled with promise. Though his time with us at Oakwood family was short, his life mattered and his memory will live on in our hearts. At school he was part of our family. As we remember Lesego today, may we find strength, peace in God’s promises and comfort in knowing that Lesego now rests in the arms of our heavenly father.”

At the cemetery, families released white doves as a final send-off for their loved ones.

Meanwhile, funerals of five other learners Sibongile Madonsela, Bohlale Lekekela, Buhle Radebe, Leano Moiloa and Naledi Motsapi were also held on Saturday.

More learners will be laid to rest on Sunday.

VIDEO | Some Vanderbijlpark crash victims laid to rest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EMUKUCHYHE

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