SACOFF mobilises support for grieving families
The death toll from the tragic Vaal scholar transport crash has risen to 14 after two more learners succumbed to their injuries in the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving families and school communities in mourning.
The horrific crash occurred on Monday, 19 January 2026, along the R553 near Vanderbijlpark, when a minibus taxi transporting learners to school collided with a truck. Initially, 12 learners died at the scene, with two more later succumbing to their injuries in hospital.
Ayanda Dludla, the 22-year-old driver of the minibus taxi briefly appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 January 2026, where he abandoned his bail application.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the charges against the accused have been upgraded from culpable homicide to 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and three additional charges related to contraventions of transport legislation. These include driving without a valid professional driving permit (expired PDP) and operating an unlicensed vehicle.
The NPA told the court that it has strong evidence to support the murder charges. The accused will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 5 March 2026.
There was a heavy police presence outside the court, where members of political parties, civil society organisations, and local community members gathered in solidarity with the bereaved families.
Police confirmed that footage released by the trucking company involved in the crash may be a vital part of the evidence. Investigations are ongoing, with officers collecting witness statements and assessing the circumstances leading up to the collision. The cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed.
Gauteng police previously stated that the truck driver was unharmed, while a passenger sustained injuries and remains in hospital. Three learners are also still receiving medical care and are reportedly recovering.
A representative of the Radebe family told NewsRoom Afrika that taxi owners must take responsibility for ensuring the roadworthiness of their vehicles. The family lost Buhle Radebe, a Grade 11 learner at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark.
The school held a memorial service on Thursday afternoon after losing three learners: Buhle Radebe, Sibongile Madonsela, and Bokamoso Makgobo.
The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) also released a statement on Thursday, describing the tragedy as a national wound and calling for unity, accountability, and urgent action to protect children using scholar transport services.
SACOFF President, Pastor Bert Pretorius, said the organisation has been on the ground since the tragedy, working closely with government leaders, including the Minister of Basic Education and the Gauteng Premier, to support grieving families.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Through its disaster relief partner, the Mahlasedi Foundation, SACOFF has been providing trauma counselling, prayer, emotional support, food parcels, and essential supplies to affected households in Sebokeng and the surrounding Vaal region.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Education paid tribute to the learners who lost their lives, describing them as “the cherished sons and daughters of our communities, whose lives were taken far too soon.”
The department confirmed the identities of 12 learners. The names of the two learners who died most recently have not yet been made public.
As the nation mourns, faith leaders, civil society, and government officials continue to call for justice, accountability, and urgent reforms to ensure that no child loses their life in a preventable road tragedy again.
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