Ayanda Dludla, 22, briefly appeared in the same court on Wednesday (22/4) for the director of public prosecutions’ decision. 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.

At his previous court appearance, Adv. Reward Nxumalo, his lawyer, said his client is very remorseful of what happened on the day in question. And he is struggling to cope in Vereeniging prison.

“Ayanda Dludla appeared briefly in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court, and his case was postponed … in terms of where the matter will be heard and if there are any other charges that might be added,” said Gauteng NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahinjana. 

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

At the joint memorial service in January, the minister in the presidency for women, youth and persons with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said where the law demands accountability, it must be met; where recklessness is proven, it must be named; and justice must prevail.

“We are a society that also believes in rehabilitation and behaviour modification. If there is a part that prevents another young person from repeating this harm through treatment, education, mentorship, and structured intervention, we must build it.”

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

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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