The death toll from the tragic Vanderbijlpark scholar transport accident has risen to 14 learners following the passing of two additional pupils who had been receiving medical treatment.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that Thato Moetji and Sagwadi Mathe, both Grade 12 learners at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, 22 January 2026. The two were among those critically injured in the scholar transport crash that occurred on Monday, 19 January 2026, on Fred Droste Road in Vanderbijlpark.
The accident involved a private scholar transport vehicle and a side tipper truck and had initially claimed the lives of 12 learners at the scene and shortly thereafter. The release of the earlier list of victims had already plunged the province into mourning, with the passing of the two Grade 12 learners deepening the sense of loss felt by families, schools and communities.
In a tribute, the Gauteng Department of Education described Thato Moetji and Sagwadi Mathe as learners full of promise, whose lives, though cut short, left a lasting impact on their school, families and peers.
The department has continued to extend its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and has assured affected school communities of ongoing psychosocial support.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are still underway, with authorities urging the public to allow due process as they work to establish the full cause of the incident.
As Gauteng continues to mourn, the tragedy has once again highlighted concerns around learner transport safety and the urgent need for vigilance to protect young lives.
🕯️ May their souls rest in peace. 🕯️
O shit this is bad may Thay rest in peace