A 22-year-old scholar transport driver accused in the deadly Vanderbijlpark crash has abandoned his bail application while facing multiple serious charges linked to the deaths of 14 learners.
Ayanda Dludla appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court, where he elected not to apply for bail. The matter was postponed to 5 March 2026 for further investigations.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Dludla faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of operating a motor vehicle without a certificate of fitness, driving without a professional driving permit, and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.
NPA regional spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana, said the charges stem from a tragic collision that occurred on Monday, January 19.
It is alleged that Dludla was driving a scholar transport vehicle on the R553 Golden Highway in Vanderbijlpark while transporting 16 learners when the vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming truck.
The collision resulted in the deaths of 14 learners, while two learners and the truck driver sustained injuries.
The accident has shocked communities across Gauteng and intensified calls for stricter regulation and enforcement of scholar transport safety standards.
The accused remains in custody as investigations continue.
