A taxi operator linked to a horror crash that claimed the lives of 14 pupils is expected to return to court this morning to continue his bail application. Ayanda Dludla was arrested earlier this year following the devastating head-on collision between his vehicle and a side-tipper truck, which occurred just three days after schools reopened in January.

During his last court appearance, the 22-year-old’s fate hung in the balance as the court awaited the Director of Public Prosecutions to finalise the charges and decide on a venue for the trial.

State prosecutor Titus Daniso confirmed at the time that officials were still determining whether the 14 counts of murder would stand as the case moves forward.

Dludla’s lawyer, Advocate Reward Nxumalo, previously told the media that his client is struggling to cope with life inside Vereeniging Prison. While Dludla has chosen not to apply for bail then, his legal team said he is deeply sorry for what happened.