22-year-old driver in court on murder charges as South Africa school bus crash d3ath toll rises to 14

The 22-year-old driver accused of causing the horror crash which claimed the lives of 14 school pupils in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, appeared in court on Thursday, where he abandoned his bail application.

Ayanda Dludla was charged with 14 counts of m8rder, attempted m8rder, driving without a valid permit and driving an unlicensed vehicle following the d3adly crash that occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026. 

He was driving a scholar transport vehicle on the R553 Golden Highway, transporting 16 pupils, when he collided head-on with an oncoming truck. 

Families of the deceased learners filled the courtroom as Ayanda Dludla, sporting a scar on his forehead. 

“When we perused the docket, we saw that there is sufficient evidence to charge the accused with the charges of m8rder, as opposed to culpable homicide,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana.

“As the state, we do have the prima facie evidence to charge the accused with the charges of murder. There is a case that the accused needs to answer. If the accused did not abandon his bail, the case was surely going to oppose his release on bail. He is facing 14 counts of m8rder, those are very serious charges. He is also facing three counts of attempted m8rder.”

Dludla will return to court on 5 March.

The tragic accident has sent shockwaves across Gauteng and the country, 

Fourteen learners have d!ed from the crash, while others sustained injuries.

Three learners are still receiving medical treatment following the crash. 

Authorities have confirmed that the injured pupils remain in hospital as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision continue..

The driver was arrested on Tuesday after being discharged from the hospital, where he had been receiving treatment following the crash. receiving treatment following the crash. 

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo previously said the driver of the truck involved in the crash escaped unharmed, while the truck’s passenger sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Investigations are ongoing as police continue to obtain witness statements and assess the events leading up to the crash. 

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education released names and photos of the victims.

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