T he driver, Ayanda Dludla (22), was remanded in custody after bail was abandoned. Dludla was driving a scholar transport minibus that collided with a truck earlier this week in the Vaal area.

Police confirmed that two more learners later died in hospital, bringing the total death toll from the crash to 14. As a result, Dludla is now facing 14 counts of culpable homicide, along with additional charges linked to the incident.

The case has been postponed to 5 March 2026 to allow for further investigation.

Outside the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court, residents from across the Vaal gathered to show solidarity with the grieving families. Community members picketed peacefully, holding placards and singing songs of support as they called for justice for the victims.

Meanwhile, the tragedy continues to be felt deeply within local schools. Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark held a candlelight ceremony to honour three of its learners who lost their lives in the crash. Learners, teachers, and parents gathered in silence, lighting candles in remembrance.

In a message shared by the school, staff described the learners as young lives whose kindness, laughter, and spirit would never be forgotten, adding that their memory will continue to live on within the school community.