The driver of a scholar transport taxi involved in a horrific crash that claimed the lives of 14 children remains behind bars.

Sedibeng Ster reports that Ayanda Dludla appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this morning, where he officially abandoned his bail application.

He will stay in custody until his next court appearance.

Charges upgraded

The charges against Dludla have been significantly upgraded since his arrest.

While he was initially set to face counts of culpable homicide, the state is now pursuing 14 counts of murder.

Other charges include:

• Three counts of attempted murder
• Driving without a professional driving permit after it expired in November 2025
• Operating scholar transport without a valid permit

Crash details and next appearance

The tragedy occurred when Dludla’s taxi collided with a tipper lorry. He was arrested shortly after being discharged from hospital following the crash.

During this morning’s brief proceedings, it was confirmed that he will be represented by Legal Aid at his next appearance.

The court has remanded the case until March 5 to allow for further police investigation.

Change in charges explained

Sedibeng Ster reports that NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, speaking to the media outside court, explained the reason for the change in charges.

“Initially, the charge was culpable homicide, but when the state perused the docket and the evidence that was in the docket, we found that we had prima facie evidence to charge him with murder,” she said.

Dashcam footage was supplied as evidence.

“We still need to find other evidence, such as postmortem results and statements from eyewitnesses, hence the prolonged postponement,” she added.

Education department reacts

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona reacted to the saddening news.

“It’s quite sad indeed and we continue to support those who are still in hospital. We have two children who are still in the hospital,” he said.

Meanwhile, a memorial service will be held at the Saul Tsotetsi Sport Centre in Zone 14 to honour the deceased.

Mabona said their department has not concluded on a mass funeral as some families want to bury this coming Saturday.

• The article has been amended since it was first publish to include comment from NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana and Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona.

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