JOHANNESBURG — The death toll from Monday’s catastrophic school bus collision in Gauteng province has risen to 14 after two teenage girls succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, according to South African authorities. The devastating incident has prompted prosecutors to upgrade charges against the 22-year-old driver to multiple counts of murder.
The tragic accident occurred during morning rush hour on Monday at approximately 7 a.m. when a privately-operated minibus transporting 16 students to various educational institutions in southern Johannesburg collided with a truck. The immediate impact claimed 12 young lives at the scene, creating one of the most severe school transportation disasters in recent memory.
Medical authorities confirmed that seven individuals, including five students, the bus driver, and a truck passenger, sustained various injuries and were transported to medical facilities. Three of these patients have since been discharged following treatment. However, the Gauteng health department reported one teenage girl passed away Thursday morning while receiving intensive care at Sebokeng Hospital. Simultaneously, police Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed another female student died at a private medical facility.
With these latest fatalities, two children remain hospitalized as the community grapples with the overwhelming loss. The legal proceedings have taken a significant turn as National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana announced the driver’s charges have been elevated from culpable homicide to 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and operating a vehicle without the required professional license.
The accused, Ayanda Dludla, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he voluntarily declined to seek bail. The case has been formally adjourned until March 5 to allow for comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.