The Gauteng Department of Education has released the photos and names of the 12 learners who died in a crash involving a tipper lorry and a scholar transporter taxi outside Vanderbijlpark on Monday.

According to Sedibeng Ster, the department said in a statement accompanying the poster with the learners’ photos and names: “We remember with deep sadness and heavy hearts our beautiful learners, the cherished sons and daughters of our communities, whose lives were taken far too soon during an unfortunate scholar transport incident that took place on Monday in Vanderbijlpark. You were the future of our province. Your dreams, smiles, and potential will forever remain part of our collective memory. You will always be remembered, honoured, and loved.”

Names of the deceased:

• 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

“To the families, school communities, educators and classmates, we extend our deepest condolences and continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Support for affected families

Vaalweekblad reports that the Gauteng government will assist the families of the victims with funeral arrangements.

Three children are still in hospital.

Taxi driver arrested

The taxi driver has been arrested and will be charged with 12 counts of culpable homicide as well as reckless and negligent driving. A journalist from Sedibeng Ster is at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this morning as the driver is set to appear today.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi said psycho-social support will also be offered to the bereaved families.

Watch: Dashcam footage shows Vanderbijlpark taxi crash that killed 12 schoolchildren

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