Driver in deadly Vanderbijlpark crash to appear in court

The scene of a deadly scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark on 19 January 2026.

The scholar transport driver, who allegedly caused the crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark on Monday, is expected to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate Court in Vaal on Thursday.

The 22-year-old faces 12 counts of culpable homicide, and reckless and negligent driving. Three other scholars remain in hospital.

Eyewitness say that he had overtaken more than three vehicles at once on a narrow road before crashing into a truck in the oncoming lane.

On Tuesday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi told a media briefing that the driving permit of the driver had expired last year.

Gauteng Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo says, “After the police visited the hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed that 12 learners died at the accident scene and five were taken to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment, of which one has since been discharged.”

Masondo says, “The driver of the truck that was involved in the accident escaped unharmed while the passenger sustained injuries and was receiving treatment in hospital. Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements.”