Expired permit confirmed in Vanderbijlpark school transport crash that killed 12 pupils

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that the scholar transport vehicle involved in a horrific crash in Vanderbijlpark, which claimed the lives of 12 pupils, was operating with an expired Public Driver’s Permit (PDP).

Lesufi revealed this during a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon at the Sedibeng West District Office, where government officials outlined their response to the tragedy.

The accident, which has sent shockwaves across the country, occurred on Monday.

He was joined by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Sedibeng District Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka and Emfuleni Executive Mayor Sipho Radebe.

Lesufi said three drivers were involved in the crash - two in the truck and one driving the scholar transport taxi.

“The truck driver, who was not seriously injured, took himself to the hospital immediately after the incident,” Lesufi said. “Police have confirmed that he has made an appointment to provide a full statement later this afternoon.”

The assistant truck driver was hospitalised, treated and later discharged. The taxi driver was also hospitalised and subsequently discharged.

“Through the work of law enforcement agencies, the taxi driver was arrested, interviewed and is expected to appear in court soon,” Lesufi said.

Police investigations have since confirmed that the taxi driver’s PDP expired in November last year.

“On the basis of work done by the police, we have now established that the Public Driver’s Permit expired in November,” Lesufi said.

He described the loss of life as deeply painful.

“Through the work of the SAPS and the Department of Health, we can now confirm that 12 children have passed away,” he said.

Lesufi said 11 of the pupils had been identified ahead of the briefing, with the final family coming forward shortly thereafter.

“All the children have now been duly identified,” he said.

Of those injured, five pupils were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital and two to Kopanong Hospital. Two learners were initially placed in intensive care, though one has since been moved out of ICU.

“We have received updates on support systems from the private sector, national government and various institutions to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided,” Lesufi said.

Earlier, Gauteng police confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old scholar transport driver following the crash.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital on Monday night.

“He is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours, facing 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as reckless and negligent driving,” Masondo said.

Masondo said police had visited hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries.

“It can be confirmed that 12 learners died at the scene of the accident, and five were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, of whom one has since been discharged,” he said.

He added that the truck driver escaped unharmed, while the passenger sustained injuries and remains in hospital.

“Investigations are under way as police continue to obtain witness statements,” Masondo said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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