The funeral of relatives Phehello Motaung,18, and Lesego Sefatsa,7, is underway at their home in Sebokeng Zone 14 in the Vaal.  Other funerals being held on Saturday are those of Sibongile Madonsela, Bohlale Lekekela, Buhle Radebe, Leano Moiloa and Naledi Motsapi.

The rest of the learners will be laid to rest on Sunday in various areas in the Vaal. A joint memorial service was held for all the learners on Friday at the Saul Tsotetsi sports grounds.

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. 

Three more succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

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.

“I believe it is a painful moment for all of us, all 14 families, for schools, for such a young mother to lose her child,” said Phehello Motaung’s father. “But He remains God through all the pain and the sadness, He is still by our sides.”

“But I want to encourage all the families, all the schools to remain positive in this difficult time. Even when it’s heavy, I will accept.”

On Thursday, the minibus taxi driver Ayanda Dludla, 22, abandoned his bail at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court. His case was postponed to Thursday, 5 March, in the same court.

Dludla is facing 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of driving without a professional driving permit and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.

Ayanda Dludla in court. Photo supplied

“It is alleged on Monday, the accused was driving a scholar transport vehicle on the R553 Golden Highway, transporting 16 learners, when he allegedly collided head-on with an oncoming truck,” said Gauteng NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahinjana.

“The collision resulted in the deaths of 14 learners, while two learners and the truck driver sustained injuries. “In court, the accused elected not to be released on bail. The matter was postponed for further investigations.” 

Dludla was arrested on Tuesday after he was discharged from the hospital, said Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo. Preliminary investigations revealed his professional driving permit had expired in November.

OFM News/ Zenande Mpame dg