Vanderbijlpark Scholar Transport Deadly Accident: Driver Faces 14 Murder Charges
The 22-year-old scholar transport driver linked to the devastating Vaal crash that has left 14 learners dead appeared briefly before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Ayanda “Biggie” Dludla is facing a raft of serious charges stemming from the fatal collision, with the court postponing the case to 5 March 2026 to allow investigators time to complete their probe.
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Bail dropped amid court tension
Dludla opted to abandon his bail application during the short court appearance, a move that was met with relief by grieving relatives and community members gathered outside the courthouse.
Magistrates ruled that he would remain behind bars until his next appearance, easing fears among families that the accused could be released while investigations were still under way.
Driver charged with 14 counts of murder
According to eNCA, Dludla faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, as well as charges relating to driving without a valid Professional Driving Permit and operating an unlicensed public transport vehicle.
The charges follow confirmation from the Gauteng Department of Education that two more learners died in hospital in the early hours of Thursday, pushing the death toll from the crash to 14.
Learners’ identities made public
Education authorities have released the names of the 12 learners who died at the scene. The children were pupils at several schools across the Vaal, including Rockland Primary and El-Shaddai Christian School.
Five learners were taken to hospital following the crash. Two later succumbed to their injuries, while one has since been discharged.
Serious safety breaches revealed
Preliminary investigations have uncovered alarming violations, including that the minibus was carrying 18 passengers despite being licensed to transport only 14.
Police also confirmed that Dludla’s Professional Driving Permit expired in November 2025 and that the vehicle was not authorised to operate as a public transport vehicle at the time of the crash.
Dashcam footage forms key evidence
Dashcam footage from the truck involved in the collision is expected to be central to the case. The footage allegedly shows the minibus travelling in the incorrect lane with sufficient time to return to safety, but failing to do so before the impact.
Authorities are continuing to analyse the footage as part of a comprehensive accident reconstruction report.