The death toll from the devastating scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark has risen to 14 after two more learners succumbed to their injuries in hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Gauteng police confirmed that the 22-year-old scholar transport driver now faces 14 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving, following the latest fatalities. The suspect is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 January 2026.
The tragic crash occurred on Monday, 19 January 2026, when a scholar transport vehicle transporting learners to school was involved in a collision with a truck in Vanderbijlpark. Twelve learners were declared dead at the scene, while five others were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. One learner was later discharged, while others remained in critical condition.
Police said two of the injured learners succumbed to their injuries in the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting authorities to update the charge sheet against the driver. At the time of his arrest earlier this week, the suspect was facing 12 counts of culpable homicide. Those charges have now been increased to 14.
According to a media statement issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, the driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital, where he had been receiving treatment following the crash. He was initially expected to appear in court within 48 hours of his arrest.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that officers had visited hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries. “Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements,” Masondo said, adding that the case docket had been updated to reflect the latest developments.
The driver of the truck involved in the crash escaped unharmed, while a passenger travelling with him sustained injuries and was receiving treatment in hospital. The cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed, and police investigations remain ongoing.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as one of the most painful incidents to hit the education sector in recent years. GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was devastated by the loss of young lives and extended its condolences to families, educators and school communities.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, learners and school communities during this extremely difficult time,” Mabona said, noting that all information remains preliminary as investigations continue.
The department also released the names of the learners who lost their lives, paying tribute to pupils from various schools in the Vaal region, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 11. They are:
- Buhle Radebe (Grade 11, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark)
- Bokamoso Mokhobo (Grade 8, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark)
- Sibongile Madonsela (Grade 10, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark)
- Leano Moiloa (Grade 8, Vaal High School)
- Lesego Sefatsa (Grade 2, Oakwood Primary School)
- Letlotlo Katlego Makwe (Grade 2, Vaal Triangle Primary School)
- Ofentse Jayden Vinger (Grade 1, Oliver Lodge Primary School)
- Lindokuhle Mabaso (Grade 5, Noordhoek Primary School)
- Pheello Motaung (Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School)
- Puleng Maphalla (Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School)
- Naledi Motsapi (Grade 10, El-Shaddai Christian School)
- Bohlale Lekekela (Grade 1, El-Shaddai Christian School)
The department described the learners as “the future of the province”, saying their dreams, potential and smiles would forever remain part of the collective memory of Gauteng communities.
Since the incident, an outpouring of grief has swept across the country. Political parties, churches, civil society organisations, school governing bodies, learner formations and ordinary South African citizens have sent messages of condolences and support to the bereaved families. Prayer services, memorial ceremonies and moments of silence have been held at schools and community centres across Gauteng.
Faith-based organisations and civil society groups have also renewed calls for stricter regulation and oversight of scholar transport services, stressing the need to prioritise learner safety. Parents and community leaders have urged authorities to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Psychosocial support services have been made available to affected families, learners and educators, while provincial authorities continue to monitor the condition of those still recovering from injuries.
As the legal process unfolds and investigations continue, Gauteng remains united in mourning the loss of 14 young lives in what has become one of the deadliest scholar transport tragedies in the province’s history.
