Ayanda Dludla’s case was postponed to Wednesday, 22 April, for the director of public prosecutions to decide on the charges and the venue of the trial. He faces several charges, including 14 counts of murder, three of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, and operating without a valid permit.

On Monday, 19 January, learners from various primary and secondary schools were travelling in a Toyota Quantum when the vehicle collided with a truck. Eleven learners died instantly when the minibus 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 the driver failed to do so. To avoid the collision, the school transport driver can be seen trying to swerve right, while the truck moves slightly to the left.

The accident claimed the lives of 14 learners. Preliminary investigations revealed Dludla’s professional driving permit had expired in November.

“I must state that my client is very much remorseful of what happened on the day in question,” said Dludla’s lawyer Adv. Reward Nxumalo. “My client is struggling to cope in Vereeniging prison; he cries (often), and is deeply sorry for what happened.

“And I understand that lives were lost, and as painful as it is, I've seen my client, and I've seen the families of the victims. This is the one part perhaps where, in the eyes of the law, we have to balance the various factors.”

They’re considering psychiatric observation and counselling while he is behind bars, he said.

Dludla was arrested shortly after the accident, following his discharge from the hospital. The crash occurred just three days after schools reopened in January and sent shockwaves through communities across Gauteng.

During his first court appearance, he decided not to apply for bail, and he remains in custody at the Vereeniging Correctional Centre.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm