Ayanda Dludla appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing multiple charges following a deadly scholar transport crash. The driver, 22 years old, has abandoned his bail application.
NPA confirmed that Dludla is facing 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and additional charges including operating a motor vehicle without a certificate of fitness, driving without a professional driving permit, and operating an unlicensed vehicle.
The crash occurred on 19 January 2026, when Dludla was driving a scholar transport vehicle on the R553 Golden Highway with 16 learners on board. The vehicle allegedly collided head-on with an oncoming truck, resulting in the deaths of 14 learners. Two learners and the truck driver sustained injuries.
The matter has been postponed to 5 March 2026 to allow further investigations to be completed.
Lumka Mahanjana, NPA regional spokesperson for Gauteng, said Dludla’s decision to abandon bail was expected given the severity of the charges. “This is a tragic case that has shocked the community. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that justice is served for the learners and their families,” Mahanjana said.
The crash has drawn nationwide attention, with political parties, schools, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and ordinary South Africans expressing condolences and mourning the loss of the learners. Schools across the Vaal region have held memorial services, while psychosocial support is being provided to families, classmates, and educators affected by the tragedy.
The incident has also highlighted ongoing concerns about scholar transport safety, with authorities stressing the need for vehicle roadworthiness and proper licensing for operators. Investigations will examine all aspects of the accident.
As the legal process continues, the Vanderbijlpark community and the province remain in mourning over the loss of 14 young learners, with parents, school authorities, and local residents calling for stricter oversight of scholar transport services to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
