A 23-year-old scholar transport driver accused of killing 14 learners in a Vanderbijlpark crash has been granted R3,000 bail and banned from driving until his case is finalised.
According to The Star, Ayanda Dludla was released on bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday despite opposition from the State.
He faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and several road traffic-related charges.
Bail granted with strict conditions
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the court found that releasing Dludla on bail was in the interests of justice.
He must report to Vanderbijlpark Police Station every Friday and may not drive any motor vehicle while the case continues.
Dludla must also live at his mother’s home unless the investigating officer gives permission for him to stay elsewhere.
He has also been ordered not to interfere with witnesses.
If he wants to apologise to the families of the learners who died, the communication may only go through the investigating officer.
Fourteen learners killed in crash
According to The Star, the crash happened on 19 January 2026 along the R553 Golden Highway.
The State alleges Dludla was transporting 17 learners when the scholar transport vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming truck.
Fourteen learners were killed and three others were injured.
Dludla is also accused of operating a vehicle without a certificate of fitness, driving without a professional driving permit and using an unlicensed vehicle.
The allegations against him have not yet been tested at trial.
Scholar transport body promises tighter controls
The Star reported that Gauteng Education Transport Services had previously confirmed that Dludla was driving a minibus linked to one of its affiliated associations.
GETS chairperson Matthews Mokhachane said Dludla appeared on its records as a driver but was not a member himself.
Mokhachane also said he had heard that Dludla had previously been reprimanded for alleged reckless driving, though he could not personally confirm those claims.
He said the crash highlighted the need for stronger measures against reckless driving and overloading.
Dludla’s case has been postponed to 9–17 November 2026 for trial.