A 23-year-old scholar transport driver, Ayanda Dludla, has been granted R3 000 bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court. He 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 (PrDP), and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.

Dludla transported 17 learners in a minibus on the R553 Golden Highway on January 19, when he allegedly collided head-on with an oncoming truck. The collision resulted in the deaths of 14 learners, while three others sustained injuries.

The State opposed Dludla’s bail. However, the court found that it was in the interest of justice to grant bail, subject to several conditions.

Dludla is required to report to the Vanderbijlpark Police Station every Friday, is prohibited from driving any motor vehicle until the finalisation of the case, must reside at his mother’s residence unless authorised by the investigating officer to do otherwise, and may not interfere with witnesses. In addition, should he wish to communicate an apology to the families of the deceased learners, such communication may only take place through the investigating officer.

The matter was postponed to 9 to 17 November 2026 for trial, Lumka Mahenjana, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Gauteng Division, confirmed.