Gauteng police have confirmed two more learners died in hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning following the accident near the Arcelor Mittal plant in Vanderbijlpark. The driver, 22, now faces 14 counts of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.

He was arrested on Tuesday (20/1) after he was discharged from the hospital, said Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo.

Preliminary investigations revealed his professional driving permit had expired in November.

“The scholar transport driver was arrested after he was discharged from the hospital. He will appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday,” said Masondo.

On Monday (19/1), learners from various primary and secondary schools were travelling in a Toyota Quantum when the vehicle collided with a truck. Eleven learners died on the scene when the minibus that was transporting them to school, collided with a side tipper truck, causing it to veer off the R553.

Dash-cam footage from the truck showed the minibus was in the oncoming lane with enough time and space to avoid the collision, but it failed to do so. To avoid the collision, the vehicle can be seen trying to swerve right, while the truck moves slightly to the left.

State support for burial

Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube said the government will help with the burial of the young victims. Support will be coordinated from the department’s district office.

Gwarube and Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, along with other officials, visited the families of the victims on Tuesday.

A report on the incident is expected by the end of the week. Road Traffic Management Corporation investigators are investigating. Vaal Triangle police have confirmed the scholar transport vehicle involved in the accident was overloaded.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs