Ayanda Dludla, 22, briefly appeared in the same court on Tuesday (31/3) to allow the prosecution team to finalise charges. Dludla has been in custody since January in connection with the death of 14 learners.

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.

“The finalisation of charges would help us get clarity on whether we would be applying for bail on a murder charge or culpable homicide,” said Dludla’s lawyer, adv. Reward Nxumalo.

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

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 accident, the school transport driver can be seen trying to swerve right, while the truck moves slightly to the left.

Dludla was arrested shortly after the accident, following his discharge from 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.

The Gauteng department of transport urged the public to report any unsafe scholar transport conditions to the hotline numbers.

Gauteng roads and transport MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela urged all scholar transport drivers to prioritise the safety of children by refraining from operating unroadworthy vehicles, making sure they are adhering to traffic laws, and avoiding the overloading of vehicles.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame

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